The surface modified lithium electrode is prepared by coating an ionic conductive poly(vinylene carbonate-co-acrylonitrile) layer as a solid electrolyte interphase on lithium metal. The thin protective polymer layer with strong adhesion to the lithium electrode suppresses the corrosion of lithium metal and stabilizes the interface of lithium electrode in prolonged contact with organic electrolyte. Cycling performance of the Li/LiCoO2 cells can be improved by using the surface modified lithium electrode. SEM analysis of lithium electrodes after repeated cycling reveals that the use of a surface modified lithium electrode effectively suppresses dendrite growth during cycling, which results in stable cycling characteristics compared to that of the cell with an un-modified lithium electrode.