Low temperature techniques for forming layered lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) are provided. In one aspect, a method of synthesizing layered LCO includes: forming a metal catalyst layer (e.g., platinum) on a substrate; depositing LCO onto the metal catalyst layer; and annealing the LCO under conditions sufficient to form the layered LCO on the metal catalyst layer. An adhesion layer can be deposited on the substrate, and the metal catalyst layer can be deposited onto the adhesion layer. In another aspect, a structure is provided including: a substrate; a metal catalyst layer (e.g., platinum) disposed on the substrate; and layered LCO formed on the metal catalyst layer. An adhesion layer can be disposed between the substrate and the metal catalyst layer.