Li-rich layered oxides have been regarded as valuable cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. However, high initial irreversible capacity, bad rate capability, as well as serious capacity fading and voltage decay hinder their commercial application. In this paper, a nano CoF2 protective layer is coated on the surface of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 via a facial wet chemistry method. A high initial discharge capacity of 264.4 mAh g(-1) is obtained for 0.5% CoF2-coated sample and 259.1 mAh g(-1) for 1% CoF2-coated sample owing to the suppression of irreversible release of O-2 and the contribution of electrochemical conversion of CoF2/LiF. Furthermore, 1% CoF2-coated sample exhibits the excellent rate capability of 167.5 mAh g(-1) at 5 C rate, the superior cycling stability with the capacity retention of 241.0 mAh g(-1) and the ameliorative voltage drop of 0.312 Vat 0.1C after 100 cycles. The enhanced rate performance as well as stability of capacity and voltage can be attributed to the nano coatings which inhibit the electrolyte-electrode side reaction, enhance the electrochemical kinetics and mitigate structure transition from layered to spinel phase. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.