This paper reports the preparation and characterization of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM) cathodes containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different types of functionalization, including acid treatment, amino functionalization and silanization. Among these MWCNTs, the silane-functionalized CNTs give rise to significant reduction in inner electronic resistance and improvements in both capacity retention and rate capability of the nanocomposite cathodes. This finding is attributed to the synergy to form 3D spatial conductive networks among the active NCM particles by the well-dispersed MWCNTs and carbon black. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.013301jes] All rights reserved.