Pure phase Li1.2Cr0.4Ti0.4O2 (R (3) over barm was prepared via a sol-gel procedure and a sintering process under argon atmosphere. It shows a charge capacity of 234 mAh/g and a discharge capacity of 135 mAh/g at 0.2 C in the range of 2.5-4.4 V in the first cycle as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. This material can be coated with a layer of carbon without introducing impurities. The carbon-coated Li1.2Cr0.4Ti0.4O2 shows much enhanced capacity (207 mAh/g, 0.2 C, 2.5-4.4 V) and rate performance (154 mAh/g, 1 C, 2.5-4.4 V) due to the improvement of electronic contact. In addition, it shows stable cyclic performance. This material could be used as a cathode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.