Abstract: A method of making a cathode active material includes contacting a mixed metal composition with water to form a first solution. The mixed metal composition includes nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, or a combination thereof, and greater than 0 to 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixed metal composition, of a compound comprising Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, Zn, F, Si, Li, or a combination thereof. A salt of nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, or a combination thereof is added to the first solution to provide a second solution, which can be further combined with a basic solution to provide a precipitate. The precipitate can be combined with a lithium compound and treated to provide the cathode active material.