Restricted growth of LiMnPO4 nanoparticles evolved from a precursor seed

► A novel precipitation method for high performance LiMnPO4 for lithium ion batteries. ► Mn3(PO4)2 precipitated confinedly on surface of a precursor seed of Li3PO4. ► The size of LMP particles limited to less than 100 nm for a smaller dimension. ► High discharge capacities delivered at high rates. ► 145 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C; 112 mAh g−1 at 1 C and 62 mAh g−1 at 5 C.