Layered lithium metal oxides free of localized cubic spinel-like structural phases and methods of making same

αβγ2The present invention includes substantially single-phase lithium metal oxide compounds having hexagonal layered crystal structures that are substantially free of localized cubic spinel-like structural phases. The lithium metal oxides of the invention have the formula LiMAO, wherein M is one or more transition metals, A is one or more dopants having an average oxidation state N such that +2.5≦N≦+3.5, 0.90≦α≦1.10, and β+γ=1. The present invention also includes dilithiated forms of these compounds, lithium and lithium-ion secondary batteries using these compounds as positive electrode materials, and methods of preparing these compounds.