High-capacity LiNi 1-x-y Co x Mn y O 2 (NCM) (x + y ≤ 0.2) is a potential candidate for realizing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, successful application of this cathode requires overcoming the irreversible phase transition (layered-to-spinel/rock-salt), interfacial instability caused by residual lithium compounds, and the electrolyte oxidation promoted by highly oxidized Ni 4+ . In this study, we investigate the roles of fullerene with malonic acid moieties (MA-C 60 ) as a superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm) electrolyte additive in LIBs to deactivate reactive radical species (O 2 •- , LiOCO 3 • , and Li(CO 3 ) 2 • ) induced by electrochemical oxidation of residual lithium compound, Li 2 CO 3 on the LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) cathode surface and to scavenge trace water to avoid undesirable hydrolysis of LiPF 6 . Further, MA-C 60 maintains the structural stability of NCM811 cathodes and mitigates the parasitic reaction of residual lithium compounds with LiPF 6 through the formation of a stable cathode–electrolyte interface. Our findings showed that MA-C 60 helps overcome the challenges associated with Li 2 CO 3 oxidation at the NCM811 cathode, which produces CO 2 gas and O 2 •- that react with the solvent molecules. • Electrochemical oxidation of Li 2 CO 3 generates superoxide radicals and CO 2 . • MA-C 60 is capable of scavenge superoxide radical and water molecule. • MA-C 60 -derived cathode interfaces ensure structural stability of NCM811 cathode.