Spherical and homogeneously mixed metal hydroxide Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2 precursor was successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method in a simple and small vessel with the volume of 1 L. The conditions of synthetic process including amount of chelating agent, stirring speed and temperature were studied. LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 samples were obtained by calcinating the precursors. The crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), charge–discharge test, AC impedance and cyclic voltammetry. In the voltage range of 2.8–4.3 V, the initial discharge capacities of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 at 0.1C and 1C rates were 199 and 170 mA·h/g, respectively. After 80 cycles at 1C, the discharge capacity retention was 92%, suggesting its promising application as the cathode material for Li-ion batteries.