LiMnPO4 has attracted massive interests due to its appropriate redox potential and higher theoretical energy density. Here, we present a strategy to transform common LiMnPO4 into dispersive, hierarchical, nanorod-like structure by vacuum immersion using anodic aluminum oxide templates. Owing to the unique hierarchical configuration, the resultant carbon-LiMnPO4 nanorods having high percentage exposed (010) facets, uniform carbon coating and large specific surface area, are very effective to keep the advantages as a fast charge/discharge lithium ion battery cathode. As a consequence, the high reversibility capacity of up to 156.8 mAh g(-1) at 0.05 C and 91.7 mAh g(-1) at 10 C is achieved. Meanwhile, it still retains 98.2% and 97.5% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and 1 C discharge rate, respectively, revealing an excellent cycling stability. This synthesis strategy provides a new design idea for preparing advanced electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.