We present the mechanism for the synthesis of a layered Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)02 compound by a modified radiated gel method. Pure-phase Li(Ni1/3Co1/3 Mn-1/3)O-2 material was achieved when the polymer gel was calcined at 900 degrees C between 15 and 30 h. The unit cell parameter c decreased, and a varied slightly with increased sintering time. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the optimized sample (25 h) had a high initial discharge capacity of 188 mAh/g (2.8-4.5 V, 20 mA/g), an excellent capacity retention of 90.1% after 30 cycles and a good rate performance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.