Facilitating structural stability of the Li-rich layered cathode materials by cation rearrangements and Li vacancies

•Li-deficiencies Li-rich materials with different ratio of Ni, Co and Mn were prepared via a solvothermal and high calcination process.•The introduction of Li deficiencies and modulation the cation rearrangements may enhance the structural stability and electron/ionic conductivity.•Li1.12Ni0.32Mn0.44Co0.04O2(LR1.8–811sample) displays excellent cycling and rate performance.•This method can obtain high performance Li-rich materials with long lifetime, low cost and high energy density.