The reasons of capacity fading during cycling process of LiMn2O4/LixV2O5 lithium ion cell with 5M LiNO3 aqueous solution as electrolyte were investigated. XRD and ICP results showed that the properties of the anode have more impact on the cycle life of the cell. In an attempt to improve the cycle performance of the as-assembled cell, coating with an ionic conductive polypyrrole (PPy) on the surface of the anode was proposed via in situ polymerization method. Cycling tests revealed that the stability of the lithium ion cell with surface coated anode has been greatly improved. Moreover, the capability of the cell with coated anode was also enhanced compared with the cell with bare anode. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.