Lithium-rich nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2, prepared by spray-dry process, exhibits rapid capacity fade and poor rate capability. The surface of Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2 can be modified with LiCoPO4 through co-precipitation method in order to improve its electrochemical properties. The resultant LiCoPO4 particles are in nano-scale and accumulate on the surface of the Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2 particles. The surface modification by LiCoPO4 is shown to significantly improve both the cyclic performance and the rate capability of Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.