The uniform layered Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries was prepared by using (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)2 synthesized by a liquid phase co-precipitation method as precursor. The effects of calcination temperature and time on the structural and electrochemical properties of the Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 were systemically studied. XRD results revealed that the optimal prepared conditions of the layered Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 were 850°C for 18h. Electrochemical measurement showed that the sample prepared under the above conditions has the highest initial discharge capacity of 162.1mAhg−1 and the smallest irreversible capacity loss of 9.2% as well as stable cycling performance at a constant current density of 16mAg−1 between 3 and 4.3V versus Li at room temperature.