Spherical particles comprising (A) at least one mixed transition metal hydroxide or mixed transition metal carbonate of at least 3 different transition metals selected from nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, chromium and vanadium, (B) at least one fluoride, oxide or hydroxide of Ba, Al, Zr or Ti, where the transition metals in transition metal hydroxide (A) or transition metal carbonate (A) are predominantly in the +2 oxidation state, where fluoride (B) or oxide (B) or hydroxide (B) is present to an extent of at least 75% in an outer shell of the spherical particles in the form of domains and is encased to an extent of at least 90% by transition metal hydroxide (A) or transition metal carbonate (A).