LiFePO4 nanoplates with an average thickness of less than 50 nm are synthesized through a simple coprecipitation in ethylene glycol solution at 180 degrees C. The evolution of the product species and intensity distribution of XRD patterns during coprecipitation are investigated to verify the formation and growth of the LiFePO4 nanoplates. The results indicate that the time for the formation of LiFePO4 nanoplates with high crystallinity is only 20 min. It is found that the feeding sequence has an important influence on LiFePO4 crystal growth and is useful for the tuning of crystal orientation and particle size.