Using a mixed hydroxy-carbonate (MHC) precursor, homogeneous LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 phase synthesized through a facile route yielded well dispersed, faceted, edge-blunted polyhedral particles (similar to 200 nm). These cathode particles revealed high degree of hexagonal ordering favorable for impressive electrochemical performance viz., high capacity 187 mAh g(-1) in Li vs LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cell, not fortuitously. Rather, can be clearly attributed to edge-blunted cathode particles that may facilitate enhanced charge mobility mimicking a process akin to corona discharge predominantly in charge concentrated regions which contrasts to moderate capacity from spherical particles explainable under the ambit of shape-drive hither to unknown. Li-ion pouch cell (similar to 500 mAh) fabricated with this activity enhanced cathode quite rugged enough to endure loads (0.12 Wh, 1.1 Wh), as-demonstrated. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.