The cathode material xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMn0.5Ni0.4Co0.1O2 was synthesized via a spray drying followed by solid-state calcination. The properties of the layered oxide cathodes for x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), galvanostatic cell cycling, as well as Ac impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that, when x = 0.3, the layered oxide cathode shows the best charge–discharge performances of low current density. Between 2.5 and 4.8 V (vs. Li/Li +), the initial discharge capacities of 0.3Li2MnO3·0.7LiMn0.5Ni0.4Co0.1O2 are 238, 229 and 206 mAhg− 1 at a constant current density of 12.5, 25 and 50 mAg− 1, respectively. The electrode composition 0.7Li2MnO3·0.3LiMn0.5Ni0.4Co0.1O2 displays the best performance at high charge–discharge rate. The initial discharge capacity of 0.7Li2MnO3·0.3LiMn0.5Ni0.4Co0.1O2 is 135 mAhg− 1 at 250 mAg− 1, after 50 cycles, the discharge capacities of the layered oxide cathode remains 85%.