The cathode material is synthesized from FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O and LiH2PO4 by a solid-state reaction using citric acid as a carbon source. The electric conductivity of the synthesized LiFePO4 has been raised by eight orders of magnitude from 10(-9) S cm(-1). The LiFePO4/C composite shows a greatly enhanced rate performance and the cyclic stability at room temperature. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 128 mAh g(-1) at 4C, which is retained as high as 92% after 1000 cycles. In addition, the tested low temperature character is attractive. At -20 degrees C, the composite exhibits a discharge capacity of 110 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C. The homogenous morphology, the porous surface, the small particles inside and the conductive carbon observed contribute much to obtain the favorable electrochemical performance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.