The invention discloses a single crystal ternary positive electrode material with good dispersibility, lithium-nickel mixed arrangement and low residual alkali, and a preparation method and an application thereof. In the preparation process of the single crystal ternary positive electrode material, the raw materials comprise a cationic additive, and the cationic additive is any one or a combination of at least two of an iridium source, an yttrium source, a tellurium source, an indium source and a gallium source. By adding the cationic additives such as Ir<3+>, Y<3+>, Te<4+>, In<3+> and Ga<3+>,the surface energy of the ternary material can be promoted to be reduced on the one hand, so that the sintering temperature of the material is reduced, and the volatilization of lithium salt is reduced; and on the other hand, the lithium-nickel mixed arrangement can be reduced, the directional growth of the crystal face of the material is controlled, and the adsorption effect and reaction activity of the crystal face and CO2 and H2O in the air are inhibited, so that residual alkali on the surface of the ternary material is reduced, the processing performance of the material is improved, and the rate discharge capacity and cycle performance of the single crystal ternary material are improved.