Improving the rate performance is still a major challenge for Li2FeSiO4 cathode material for Li-ion battery. Herein, hollow spherical Li2FeSiO4/C microscale particles, consisting of carbon-coated primary nanoparticles (20-40 nm) have been fabricated by a spray drying-assisted method. The particle size of spherical Li2FeSiO4/C is 1-5 mu m, which is suitable for commercial application. When used as a cathode material for Li-ion battery, the as-prepared Li2FeSiO4/C composite with 16.7 wt.% carbon exhibits a high discharge capacity of 165 mAh g(-1) at 0.2 C rate. At 0.5 C, 5 C and 10 Crates, the capacities of 151 mAh g(-1), 111 mAh g(-1), and 96 mAh g(-1) are observed, respectively, indicating superior rate performance. Meantime, good cycling stability is achieved with a capacity retention of 94.5% at a high current density of 2 C after 100 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is mainly ascribed to the improved ionic/electronic conductivity arising from the hollow spherical structure and carbon-coated primary nanopartides. The spray drying process shows a great potential for the large scale production of high quality Li2FeSiO4/C composite. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.