A simple solid-state method has been successfully applied to synthesize a LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode material. Powder X-ray diffraction results indicate that the suitable temperature of synthesizing LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is 850-900 degrees C, lower than proposed in other reports. The charge-discharge tests are performed at 1000 mAg(-1) in a potential range of 2.5-4.5 V. The average full-charge time is within 6 min. The discharge capacity of the material is significantly influenced by raw materials and reaction temperature. The sample calcined at 900 degrees C using alpha-MnO2 nanorods as the raw material shows the best electrochemical performance. It is attributed to the highly ordered layer structure and the lowest degree of cation mixing, being improved by nanorod MnO2, which facilitates the diffusion of Li+ in the compounds. Thus, this simple solid-state method using alpha-MnO2 nanorods as the raw material is a good route for synthesizing LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 as the cathode material of lithium power batteries. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.