The role of protection layer coated on cathode is described in terms of chemical and electrochemical stabilities. LiCoO2 electrode is protected by LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 overlayer through a Gravure coating. Electrochemically inactive LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 overlayer plays an important role in stabilizing LiCoO2 surface to have less cobalt metal dissolution during high voltage and temperature electrochemical reactions, and the possible stabilization mechanism is suggested with some evidences from physicochemical analyses. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.