A solvothermal process was used to synthesize LiFePO4 nanomaterials for lithium ion batteries. Reaction parameters such as reaction temperature and residence time were explored to obtain the optimal LiFePO4 sample. A three-stage reaction mechanism is proposed to better understand the solvothermal synthesis process. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy were used to investigate the prepared samples under different conditions. The LiFePO4 formation reaction occurred at a temperature as low as 89 degrees C. Defect analysis results showed that after 4 h of solvothermal treatment the concentration of lithium vacancy and Li-Fe antisite defects was too low to be detected. The charge discharge data of the obtained LiFePO4 showed that the carbon-coated LiFePO4 samples prepared at 180 degrees C after 4 h of solvothermal treatment had a discharge capacity of 160.6 mA h g(-1) at a discharge rate of 0.1C and 129.6 mA h g(-1) at 10C.