The invention relates to a composite positive electrode material for a lithium ion battery and a preparation method of the composite positive electrode material, and belongs to the technical field ofmaterial processing. According to the preparation method, a precursor is prepared through a sodium carbonate graded coprecipitation method; by combination with subsequent calcining treatment in lithium-mixed oxygen atmosphere, a lithium ion battery spherical ternary positive electrode is obtained, wherein the spherical ternary positive electrode is high in layered structure, low in positive ion mixing arrangement degree, relatively high in spherical shape, and has gradient distribution of Ni and Mn concentration from the centre to the surface; by virtue of relatively low Ni concentration on the surface of the material, the secondary reaction between active Ni<4+> and an electrolyte in a charging state is relieved effectively, so that dissolving of metal ions is lowered and the structural stability of the material is improved, thereby improving the cycle performance of the material; next, through a proper amount of boron doping, the grain diameter of the material is reduced, the transmission rate of lithium ions is improved, and the electron transfer area is enlarged; and in addition, the ion de-intercalation reversibility is improved, the charge transfer impedance is lowered, the lithium ion diffusion coefficient is improved, the internal resistance is low and the energy consumption is low.