In order to get homogeneous layered oxide Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O-2 as a lithium insertion positive electrode material, we applied the metal acetates decomposition method. The oxide compounds were calcined at various temperatures, which results in greater difference in morphological (shape, particle size and specific surface area) and the electrochemical (first charge profile, reversible capacity and rate capability) differences. The Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O-2 powders were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), charge/discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry and SEM. XRD experiment revealed that the layered Li[Ni1/3Co1/3]O-2 material can be best synthesized at temperature of 800 degrees C. In that synthesized temperature, the sample showed high discharge capacity of 190 mAh g(-1) as well as stable cycling performance at a current density of 0.2 mA cm(-2) in the voltage range 2.3-4.6 V. The reversible capacity after 100 cycles is more than 190 mAh g(-1) at room temperature. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.