A low temperature contaminant limiting process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated metal oxides of suitable crystalinity in-situ. M(OH)₂ is added to an aqueous solution of LiOH. An oxidant is introduced into the solution which is heated below about 150 C. and, if necessary, agitated. M may be selected from cobalt, nickel and manganese. The resultant LiMO₂ becomes crystallized in-situ and is subsequently removed.