Facile synthesis of carbon coated LiFePO4 nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical performance through in situ formed lithium stearate pyrolysis route

► In situ forming lithium stearate in the precursor. ► Carbon coated polycrystal LiFePO4 is prepared by lithium stearate pyrolysis. ► Samples with good cyclic and rate performance can be prepared at 400 °C. ► Crystallized directly after Fe3+ reduction. ► Low temperature, short time and no involved intermediate compounds.