Here, we designed a facile solvothermal method to prepare Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 hollow microspheres with considerable uniformity and monodispersity. In this method, lithium ions and transition metal carbonate have been simultaneously precipitated in the ethanol-polyethylene glycol mixed solvent system to form carbonate precursors, which subsequently transform into self-assembled hollow microspheres by a heat treatment. As cathode material for lithium ion batteries, its unique structure makes for sufficient contact between electrode and electrolyte to provide more reaction sites and shorter paths for Li+ transportation, contributing to remarkable cycling stability and excellent rate capability with improved electrochemical kinetics properties. Specifically, Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 hollow microspheres achieve a high initial discharge capacity of 287 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C and 234 mAh g(-1) at 1 C, with capacity retentions of 85.7% and 81.3% after 100 cycles, respectively. Besides, it exhibits a high rate capacity of 150 mAh g(-1) even at 5 C. Moreover, the present synthesis method could also provide an effective and promising strategy for the preparation of high energy density cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.