The uniform layered Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries was prepared by using (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)(2) synthesized by a liquid phase co-precipitation method as precursor. The effects of calcination temperature and time on the structural and electrochemical properties of the Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 were systemically studied. XRD results revealed that the optimal prepared conditions of the layered Li[Ni1/3CO1/3Mn1/3]O-2 were 850 degrees C for 18 h. Electrochemical measurement showed that the sample prepared under the above conditions has the highest initial discharge capacity of 162.1 mAh g(-1) and the smallest irreversible capacity loss of 9.2% as well as stable cycling performance at a constant current density of 16 mA g(-1) between 3 and 4.3 V versus Li at room temperature. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.