WO3 modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 materials were got by a wet method. Structure parameters, micromorphology, element distribution of the modified and bare NCM materials were compared by different detection methods, such as XRD, SEM, EDS and TEM. The results reveal that there was no significant change in morphology before and after modification, and the distribution of tungsten was relatively uniform. In addition, tungsten oxide surface modification layer does exist by TEM, FFT and XPS analysis, and affects the distribution and valence states of surface elements. Furthermore, it is found that the micro amount of tungsten oxide modified NCM material is beneficial to the improvement of rate performance and cycle stability, especially at high cutoff voltage. Then the effect of modification on the electrochemical properties was conducted by CV, EIS and SEM detection after cycle. It is displayed that the particles after modification have no cracks, and the polarization and impedance decrease to varying degrees. This simple and feasible method has a good prospect for improving the cyclic stability of Ni-rich materials. •Tungsten oxide modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 material were first put forward.•This simple and feasible method has a good prospect for improving the cyclic stability of Ni-rich materials.•The different amounts of tungsten oxide were compared, the addition of 0.25% has the best effect.