An object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery which has improved capacity, durability, and rate characteristic as compared with conventional lithium secondary batteries. A plate-like particle or a film for a lithium secondary battery cathode active material is represented by the following general formula:
General formula: Lip(Nix,Coy,Alz)O2
(wherein 0.9≦p≦1.3, 0.6<x≦0.9, 0.1<y≦0.3, 0≦z≦0.2, x+y+z=1)
The particle or the film contains cobalt and lithium and has a layered rock salt structure. The (003) plane is oriented so as to intersect the plate surface of the particle or film.