Polycrystalline, single phase LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 was synthesized by a low temperature tartaric acid-assistedsol-gel method under various conditions. The advantages of low temperature solution-based synthesis have been exploited to produce LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 by varying the synthesis time and temperature. Also, the effect of different lithium stoichiometry x in LixNi0.8Co0.2O2 on the electrochemical performance was studied. In the present study, the optimum temperature and time were 800 degreesC and 12 h. The electrochemical performance of the synthesized material was promising with the first discharge capacity of 174 mAh/g and 165 mAh/g after 10 cycles with a 100% cycling efficiency in the 10th cycle. The synthesis of LiNi0.8Co(0.2)O(2) and its improved electrochemical properties have been discussed in detail.