LiFePO4 was prepared by hydrothermal method starting from CH3COOLi, FeSO4, and (NH4)(2)HPO4 at 170 degrees C. The particle size of the obtained LiFePO4 was about 3 pm. The performance of the LiFePO4 as a positive electrode material for rechargeable lithium battery was evaluated in an organic electrolyte. The LiFePO4 exhibited a discharge capacity of 145 mA hg(-1) at the electrode potential of 3.5 V vs Li/Li+.