Abstract: The capacity retention of lithium intercalated cathode materials is strongly dependent on their surface condition, if surface is modified with various solid state compounds. In the present work one representative of carbosilicide type compounds known in literature as MAX-phase group (M n+1 AX n , where M is a transition metal, A is an element of III–VI group, and X is C and/or N) was used as surface modification agent. Synthesis temperature of Ti 3 SiC 2 (TSC) compound, which is close to 1500 °C, was decreased by the application of special treatment of the reagents blend. The mechanism acting of TSC modification is presented and compared with other models, suggested in literature. Based on the results of experiments with different TSC contents and different substrate types we found positive effect of surface modification with TSC of the phosphate-based lithium intercalated cathode materials on their capacity fading rate. Outstanding high electronic conductivity of TSC makes this phase applicable as co-component in the composite electrode materials. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.