Diversified and extended applications of lithium-ion batteries demand the development of more enhanced materials that can be achieved by sophisticated synthetic methods. Combination of novel materials with strategic design of their shape on the nanometer scale enables a breakthrough to overcome problems experienced by present technologies. In this feature article, an overview is given of Mn-based and polyanion-based cathode materials with nanoscale features for lithium-ion batteries as materials to replace conventional bulk cathode materials. Various synthetic methods coupled with nanostructuring as well as the benefits obtained from the nanostructure are described.