LiNi1-xCoxO2 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) cathode materials were successfully synthesized by a rheological phase reaction method with calcination time of 0.5 h at 800 degrees C. All obtained powders are pure phase with alpha-NaFeO2 structure (R-3m space group). The samples deliver an initial discharge capacity of 182, 199 and 189 mAh g(-1) (25 mA g(-1), 4.35-3.0 V), respectively. The reaction mechanism was also discussed, which consists of a series of defect reactions. As a result of these defect reactions, the reaction of forming LiNi1-xCoxO2 takes place in high speed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.