For high energy density and long cycle life of rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the positive electrode of LiNi0.6Co0.1Mn0.3O2 (NCM-613) is post-surface treated by poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP) though a spin coating method. The additional PVP coating on the electrode is highly beneficial for improving the cycle life of the cell. It is also found that the PVP coating initially causes a polarization for lithium surface transportation but enhances the rate capability after long cycling by reducing the growth of polarization from the repeated sequences of charge and discharge. To adjust these conflicting behaviours, the coating condition of PVP should be optimized. By using a systematic analysis of X-ray diffraction and surface analyses of field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is concluded that the PVP surface coating on NCM-613 prevents crystal structure deterioration leading to irreversible structure changes from hexagonal to monoclinic at a high potential of 4.3 V vs. Li/Li+. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.