Abstract: The spherical cathode materials for lithium ion batteries have the outstanding advantages such as high pile-density, high capacity density and excellent manufacturing performance, being expected as the important directions. The “controlled crystallization” method is an ideal way to prepare spherical cathode materials. This paper introduced the principle of “controlled crystallization” method and reviewed the research and development of the spherical cathode materials, including LiCoO₂, LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂, and LiFePO₄. The prospective application of the spherical cathode materials was also analyzed.

Key words: “controlled crystallization” method, spherical, lithium ion batteries, cathode materials