Y-doped Li2Fe1-xYxSiO4/C (x=0, 0.02, 0.04) composites are successfully synthesized via a sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectrometry and UV-visible spectroscopy are used to investigate the effect of yttrium doping on the characteristics of Li2FeSiO4/C. The results show that yttrium (Y) does enter the crystal structure of Li2FeSiO4 and negligibly affect the morphology of the composites as well as the structural properties of the coated carbon. The electrochemical performance is evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectra. Li2Fe0.98Y0.02SiO4/C exhibits the best rate capability and cycle stability among the three samples. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to its enhanced electronic conductivity, higher lithium ion diffusion coefficient and better structure stability due to the proper amount of Y doping in Fe sites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.