The capacity of pure LiFePO4 faded gradually from initial 149 mAh g(-1)-117 mAh g(-1) under current density of 30 mA g(-1) at room temperature after 60 cycles. Some obvious cracks are observed in LiFePO4 particles after cycling. The formation of cracks would lead to poor electric contact and capacity fading. A possible mechanism is proposed for the appearance of the cracks. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.