The layered LiNiO2 cathode material for lithium ion battery was synthesized by ion-exchange reaction at low temperature in air atmosphere. The influence of synthesis conditions on the electrochemical performance of the resulting LiNiO2 was investigated. The LiNiO2 samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared (IR) analysis. The results indicate that low temperature fabricated LiNiO2 powders keep a single layered hexagonal structure and homogenous spheric shape like the raw material MOOR Charge and discharge tests show that the resultant LiNiO2 exhibits good electrochemical properties. The first charge and discharge capacities of the sample are 183.4 mA h g(-1) and 169.5 mA h g(-1) at 0.5 mA cm(-2), respectively. Galvanic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry tests reflect that UNA electrode exhibits good cycle reversibility. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.