It has been shown that crystal and local structure of LiCoO2 does not noticeably change after surface modification with different inert oxides (MgO, Li2O center dot 2B(2)O(3), Al2O3, ZnO, ZrO2) using wet chemical method. However, in the case of LiCoO2/Al2O3, a small amount of Co3O4 phase was observed. Chemical delithiation study shows better structural and chemical stability of LiCoO2/Al2O3 under treatment in water and acid solutions. Surface modification, despite of oxide, leads to improved cyclability in the 3-4.5 V range and to enlarged rechargeable capacity up to 175 mAh g(-1). The capacity increases in the row ZnO similar to Al2O3 > Li2O center dot 2B(2)O(3) > ZrO2 > MgO > bare LiCoO2. On the other hand, LiCoO2 treated with ethanol without salts also shows improved capacity retention. According to -dQ/dU=f(U) curves, phase transitions of LiCoO2 during charge-discharge are not suppressed. It is concluded that surface modification results both in nanoparticlate shell with suitable electronic and ionic conductivity formation and in surface stabilization via inhibiting surface active centers. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.