Novel Li-1.2 Mn-0.Co-5(0.25),Ni(0.05)0(2)microcube is prepared through a simple binary template method. After calcined at 800 degrees C, lithium and nickel are permeated into the cathode material and a well-crystallized Lirich layered oxide is obtained. Furthermore, hollow circle cube architecture is formed due to the decomposing of the carbonate. As a cathode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the oxide with such architecture can deliver high initial discharge capacity of 272.9 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 20 mA g(-1) . High reversible discharge capacities of 208 mAh g(-1), and 110 rnAh g(-1) are obtained at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) and 2000 mA g(--1)respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are performed to further study the hollow Li1.2Mn0.5Coo.25Ni0.(05)o(2) microcube. It is remarkable that such architecture makes the Li-rich layered oxide Li1.2Mn0.Co-5(0.25) Ni-0.(05)o(2) a promising cathode material for LIBs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.