LiFePO4 is a potential candidate for the cathode material of the lithium secondary batteries. A co-precipitation method was adopted to prepare LiFePO4 because it is simple and cheap. Nitrogen gas was needed to prevent oxidation of Fe2+ in the aqueous solution. The co-precipitated precursor shows the high reactivity with the reductive gas, and the single phase of LiFePO4 is successfully synthesized with the aid of carbon under less reductive conditions. LiFePO4 fine powder prepared by co-precipitation method shows high rate capability, impressive specific capacity and cycle property. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.