A micron-sized LiFePO4/C composite with a spherical morphology was reduced carbothermally from precursor particles prepared by ball milling-assisted spray-drying. The specific capacity of the electrode at a 10C (1700 mA/g) rate was 110 mAh/g and a high voltage plateau was achieved. The high-rate performance of the composite electrode was due to its unique spherical structure, comprising clusters of nano or sub-micron-sized spherical particles. This morphology increases the effective conductive surface area, reduces the charge-transfer reaction resistance and improves the diffusion of lithium ions. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.