A method of producing submicrometer- to micrometer-sized spherical particles, the method comprising dissolving a lithium salt and a metal salt in water or alcohol forming a precursor solution, spraying the precursor solution to form fine aerosolized droplets, flowing the aerosolized droplets into a pyro lysis flame producing submicrometer- to micrometer-sized spherical particles. The submicrometer- to micrometer-sized spherical lithium-metal oxide powders produced are cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.