Kitchen oils (olive, soybean and butter) are selected for carbon coatings on LiFePO4. The surface properties of LiFePO4 are unknown or vary depending on synthetic methods. The multi-functional groups of fatty acids in the oils can orient properly to cope with the variable surface properties of LiFePO4, which can lead to dense carbon coatings. The low price and low toxicity of kitchen oils are other advantages of the coating process. LiFePO4 (D-50 = 121 nm)combined with the carbon coating enhances the rate capability. Capacities at the 2C rate reach 150 mAh g(-1) or higher. The charge retention values of 2.0C/0.2C are between 94.4 and 98.9%. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.