In this work, a Li-rich layered Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 cathode material synthesized by a coprecipitation method is further treated by NH4F. Material characterizations and electrochemical measurements show that the surface modification leads to a phase transition from the original layered phase to a spinel-like phase at the particle surface. It is found that the rate capability and cyclability of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 can be significantly improved, which could be attributed to the locally transformed spinel-like structure and F-ion doping at the particle surface, which favor fast lithium ion diffusion and structural stability. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.