LiFe1-xNdxPO4/C (x=0-0.08) cathode material was synthesized using a solid-state reaction. The synthesis conditions were optimized by thermal analysis of the precursor and magnetic properties of LiFePO4/C. The structure and electrochemical performances of the material were studied using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge. The results show that a small amount of aliovalent Nd3+ ion-dopant substitution on Fe2+ ions can effectively reduce the particle size of LiFePO4/C. Cell parameters of LiFe1-xNdxPO4 (x=0.04-0.08) were calculated, and the results showed that LiFe1-xNdxPO4/C had the same olivine structure as LiFePO4. LiFe0.4Nd0.6PO4/C delivers the discharge capacity of 165.2 inAh g(-1), at rate of 0.2C and the capacity retention rate is 92.8% after 100 cycles. Charge-transfer resistance decreases with the addition of glucose and Nd3+ ions. Poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4'-sulfonyldiphenol)(PZS) was synthesized and PZS nanorods were used as a carbon source to coat LiFePO4. All of the results show that aliovalent doping substitution of Fe in LiFePO4 is well tolerated. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.