An overview of the current understanding of the factors limiting the electrochemical performances of the layered, spinel, and olivine oxide cathodes is presented with a particular focus on the chemical and structural instabilities. The wide variations in the reversible capacity limits of LiMO2 layered oxide cathodes (140 mA h/g for LiCoO2 VS 160-200 mA h/g for LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2) could be explained on the basis of differences in chemical instabilities arising from an overlap of Mn+/(n+1)+:3d and O2-:2p bands. Degree of cation disorder and lithium extraction rate are found to influence the type of phases formed for the chemically delithiated Li1-xMO2 and the electrochemical rate capability. On the other hand, the lattice parameter difference between the two cubic phases formed during the charge-discharge process is found to play a significant role on the capacity retention, rate capability, and storage characteristics of the spinel oxide cathodes in addition to the well-known Mn dissolution problem. Despite excellent structural and chemical stabilities, the olivine LiFePO4 suffers from poor electrical conductivity and consequent low rate capability. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.