A coralline-like lithium-rich layered cathode material with homogeneous composition of Li1.20Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 has been successfully synthesized via a facile ethanolamine (EA)-mediated hydrothermal method route, with subsequent calcination at 850 degrees C. An initial specific discharge capacity of 250.2 mAh g(-1) and a reversible specific capacity of 210.2 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at a constant density of 25 mA g(-1) (1 C = 250 mA g(-1)) are acquired. Even at 10 C, it still delivers a discharge capacity of approximately 100 mA h g(-1), thereby indicating its excellent high power performance. The sample also shows enhanced cycling performance with 88.5%, 79.9% and 90.5% of capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5, 5 and 10 C rates, respectively. Besides, 84.5% of initial capacity is retained even after 200 cycles at 10 C. Consequently, the fascinating electrochemical performance may facilitate the coralline-like LMNCO composite to be a promising alternative cathode for LIBs with a high application potential. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.