Since Yoshino first invented the C/LiCoO2 battery system in 1983, rechargeable lithium-ion secondary batteries have undergone nearly 40 years of development. They are widely used in mobile electronic devices, new energy vehicles and other fields due to their portability, safety and long cycle life. In recent years, cathode materials such as binary and ternary layered oxides and LiFePO4 have gradually become prevalent for research in the field of energy storage. However, the disadvantages of the above cathode materials are also obvious, such as poor reversibility, degradation during the reaction process, low energy density and low electrical conductivity, which have become problems that cannot be ignored. The modification methods of three types of commonly used cathode materials are introduced, the main problems faced by each type of cathode materials are discussed, and the research progress of the corresponding modification methods are summarized.