A blended composite of LiLaPO4-coated Li[Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3]O-2 and AlF3-coated Li[Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3]O-2 was tested as the cathode of lithium secondary batteries. The rate capability, cyclic performance, and thermal stability of the blended electrode were characterized and compared with pristine, AlF3-coated, and LiLaPO4-coated electrodes. The blended sample showed good cyclic performance and thermal stability, which implies that blending these two cathode coatings were effective in obtaining their advantages and lessening their weaknesses. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.