Spherical Li(Ni1/3CO1/3Mn1/3)O-2 with a layered structure has been successfully prepared by the eutectic molten-salt method using 0.24LiCO(3)-0.76LiOH (with a melting point of 423 degrees C) and (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)(2), where the ratio of Li/(Ni+Co+Mn) is controlled at 1:1. The tap-density of the powders obtained in this work (2.89) is remarkably higher than that of spherical Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O-2 powders synthesized by other single lithium salts (2.40). XRD analysis shows that this material has a well-developed layered structure. Charge-discharge tests have shown that a Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O-2 cathode prepared at 950 degrees C has an initial discharge capacity as high as 166. After 50 cycles, the cell showed little capacity loss, which indicated the excellent cyclic performance of the synthesized materials. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.