In this work, a facile surface modification with nanoscale equilibrium Li3PO4-based surface amorphous films (SAFs) has been applied to Lithium-excess layered oxide Li1.13Ni0.3Mn0.57O2, which significantly improves the first cycle coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cycling stability. The nanoscale surface modification can be easily achieved by ballmilling and isothermal annealing. The optimized surface modified Li1.13Ni0.3Mn0.57O2 is capable of maintaining a high capacity of 201 mAh g(-1) after 60 cycles at 55 degrees C testing with a rate of 1 C. This work provides a facile and scalable surface modification method to improve electrochemical performance of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. (C) The Author(s) 2016. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.