Severe Ni dissolution and the resulting impedance rise for the single-crystal LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cathode is the main challenge greatly hindering its industrial applications. Herein, we propose a novel concept of anchoring interfacial nickel cations on a single-crystal LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cathode through controllable electron transfer. This strategy is realized by applying an ultrathin PMMA surface layer. Different from traditional physical coatings, electron transfer from Ni 2+ to the ester group is confirmed, which contributes to anchoring the interfacial Ni cations and effectively inhibits Ni dissolution into the organic electrolyte. Meanwhile, Li diffusion on the cathode surface is significantly improved. As a result, the electrochemical performance of the LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cathode with a PMMA layer is improved. A reversible capacity of 181.1 mAh g −1 at 1C rate is obtained with enhanced rate capability and cycling stability. Moreover, the modified LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 is able to work well at high voltage and high temperature, especially with incorporation of polyvinylidene fluoride.