LiMnPO4 nanocrystallites were preferentially deposited in nanopores of porous carbon by a microwave irradiation process. The LiMnPO4-embedded porous carbon exhibited good rate capability comparable to or higher than the carbon-coated LiMnPO4 previously reported. It was found by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy that charge transfer reaction and lithium diffusion were accelerated for the LiMnPO4 nanocrystallites embedded in porous carbon. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.