A well-ordered and spherical LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 cathode material was successfully synthesized from Ni and Mn concentration-gradient precursors via co-precipitation. The crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and charge–discharge tests. The material delivered an initial discharge capacity of 174.3mAh/g at 180mA/g (1 C rate) between 2.8 and 4.3V and more than 93.1% of that was retained after 100 cycles. In addition, it also exhibited excellent rate capability, high cut-off voltage and temperature performance.