In order to get homogeneous layered oxide Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O-2 as a lithium insertion positive electrode material, we applied carbonate co-precipitation. The oxide compounds were synthesized under different annealing temperature. XRD experiment revealed that the layered Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O-2 material can be synthesized at lower temperature of 750 degrees C, and the oxidation state of Ni, Mn and Co in the cathode confirmed by XPS were 2+, 4+ and 3+, respectively. SEM observation shows that the synthesized materials have spherical particle morphology and the morphology could be controlled by carbonate co-precipitation method. The cathode synthesized at 800 degrees C showed small irreversible capacity loss of 10.72% and high discharge capacity of 186.7 mAh g(-1) as well as stable cycling performance in the voltage range 2.8-4.5 VLi/Li+. In spite of difference in specific surface area, rate capability of the samples synthesized in the temperature range 750-900 degrees C showed similar rate capability and all these cathodes delivered high discharge capacity of over than 143 mAh g(-1) at 2.5 C (450 mA g(-1)). (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.