Electrodes experience significant mechanical degradation at fast charging/discharging rates, ultimately leading to particle fracture and capacity loss. In this work, we investigate the role of an Au surface coating on the intercalation-induced strain changes in lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4, LMO) composite cathode electrodes. In-situ strain measurements are performed on free-standing composite electrodes to monitor lithium intercalation-induced deformations in the electrode. Interestingly, expansion in the Au-coated LMO electrodes are significantly smaller than LMO electrodes (without coating) at faster scan rates. Strain evolution is predicted based on elastic properties of the composite electrode and the intercalation-induced crystal structure changes in the LMO particles. Our results reveal that expansion can be controlled through coatings, suggesting promising material-based strategies to improve lifetime and performance of the batteries. (c) 2019 The Electrochemical Society.