An oxalate-based hydrothermal approach has been applied to synthesize Ni0.8Mn0.1Co0.1 center dot C2O4 center dot 2H(2)O "mixed oxalate," and "mixed oxalate" has been lithiated to LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 for Li-ion batteries cathode. Ni2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ can be precipitated quickly and effectively at 100 degrees C within 20 min without inert gas protection, and it was not needed to control the pH of the solution deliberately. After the "mixed oxalate" was lithiated to LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2, as-synthesized LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 can deliver 160-180 mAh g(-1) at 1C during long-term cycling and showed one of the best electrochemical performances compared to some Ni-rich or Ni/Mn/Co-contained cathodes synthesized by similar procedures, i.e., higher reversible capacity in rate charge/discharge cycles. Considering the facile synthesis of "mixed oxalate," this work may give rise to an inspiration for LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2 cathodes research.