LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2, a cathode material of the high energy density layered oxide family, was synthesized at various time and temperature values to form single particles. The result of each synthesis condition was comprehensively characterized, demonstrating differing purity, morphology, and electrochemical properties, expanding the current knowledge of the LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 system. 800 degrees C was found to be the temperature in which particle growth was reliably observed. Particle size was shown to correlate with annealing time, concurrent to Li/Ni site mixing. Morphology was also dependent on annealing time. Shorter anneals yielded particles of platelet morphology, while longer anneals yielded more three-dimensional structures. Samples that had longer total annealing times resulted in higher specific capacity values. (C) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.