A new methodology that combines the sol-gel method and a template approach is used to synthesize porous LiNi1-xCOxO2 films. Conventional films are obtained through the sol-gel method. The films are used to evaluate the influence of this new methodology on the electrochemical performance. It was observed, from X-ray diffraction analysis on the conventional film that a further increase in the annealing temperature to 450 degrees C leads to a more ordered system indicated by the presence of characteristics LiNi1-xCoxO2 diffraction patterns. Above this temperature no significant modification in the X-ray patterns is observed in the porous film. We concluded, using other experimental techniques including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance and charge/discharge tests) that electrochemical properties, such as, oxidation and reduction charges and charge/discharge capacity of LiNi1-xCoxO2 are significantly improved in the porous film, which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed methodology. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.