A Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O-2 cathode is modified by applying a Li-La-Ti-O coating using the hydrothermal method. The coated Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O-2 is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The Li-La-Ti-O coating layer is formed as crystalline (perovskite structure) or amorphous phase depending on the heating temperature. The Li-La-Ti-O coated Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O-2 electrode has better rate capability than the pristine electrode. In particular, the rate capability is significantly associated with heating temperature: this is probably due to the phase of the coating layer. It appears that the Li-La-Ti-O coating of amorphous phase is superior to that of crystalline phase for obtaining enhanced rate capability of the coated samples. The thermal stability and cyclic performance of the Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O-2 electrode are also improved by Li-LA-Ti-O coating. These improvements indicate that the Li-La-Ti-O coating is effective in suppressing the chemical and structural instabilities of Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O-2. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.