A method of doping elements (particularly those that do not have stable divalent oxidation states) into lithium rich metal oxides useful in lithium ion batteries is comprised of the following steps. A dopant metal is dissolved in a liquid, which includes being present as a colloid, to form a solution. The solution is added to a particulate lithium rich metal oxide precursor while agitating said precursor to form a mixture. The solution is added in an amount that is at most that amount which would make the mixture a paste. The liquid is removed to form a doped lithium rich metal oxide precursor. A source of lithium is added. The doped lithium rich metal oxide precursor is heated to form the lithium rich metal oxide.