Herein we report early results on efforts to optimize the electrochemical performance of a cathode composed of a lithium- and manganese-rich "layered-layered-spinel" (LLS) material for lithium-ion battery applications. Pre-pilot scale synthesis leads to improved particle properties compared with lab-scale efforts, resulting in high capacities (similar to 200 mAh g(-1)) and good energy densities (>700 Wh kg(oxide)(-1)) in tests with lithium-ion cells. Subsequent surface modifications give further improvements in rate capabilities and high-voltage stability. These results bode well for advances in the performance of this class of lithium- and manganese-rich cathode materials. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.