The 0.6Li(2)MnO(3) center dot 0.4Li[Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3]O-2 (Li-1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O-2) nanopartides have been synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The conventional chelating agent NH3 center dot H2O was replaced by environmentally friendly sodium lactate, and then the influences of carbonate co-precipitation temperature and stirring time on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Li-1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O-2-positive electrode are discussed systematically. The crystal structure, particle morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared samples are studied by XRD, SEM and charge-discharge tests. The optimal material (Li-1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O-2-60 degrees C/16 h) had a spherical particle shape and a well-ordered layered structure, as well as high tap-density and a low cation-mixing degree. In addition, the sample delivers the best electrochemical properties with a capacity retention of 96.58% (189.1 mAh g(-1)) after 100 cycles at 0.5C rate and the highest discharge capacity of 1752 mAh g(-1) at 1C rate. (C) 2015 Elsevier E.V. All Tights reserved.