Li1+x(Ni0.5Mn0.5)(1-x)O-2 cathode material for Li-ion batteries has been prepared by a molten salt method using Li2CO3 salt. The influences of synthetic temperature and time have been intensively investigated. It is easy to obtain materials with a hexagonal alpha-NaFeO2 structure except broad peaks between 20 degrees and 25 degrees. Nickel in Li1+x(Ni0.5Mn0.5)(1-x)O-2 is oxidized to a trivalent state while manganese maintained a tetravalent state. It is found that the discharge capacities of all samples increase with cycling. The sample prepared at 850 degrees C for 5 h has a discharge capacity of 130 mAh g(-1) between 2.5 and 4.5 V versus VLi+Li at a specific current of 0.13 mA cm(-2) after 50 cycles at 25 degrees C. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.