In this communication, for the first time, we demonstrate the fast and facile preparation of porous FeF3 nanospheres using solvent exchange from FeF3 aqueous solution to ethanol. We further demonstrate the use of such FeF3 nanospheres as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with good rate capability and cycling performance. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.