Synthesis of the LiFePO4/C core-shell nanocomposite using a nano-FePO4/polythiophene as an iron source

► A LiFePO4/C core-shell nanocomposite is synthesized from a nano-FePO4/PTh composite. ► The typical size of the FePO4/PTh is in the range of 20-50 nm. ► The optimized LiFePO4/C shows a typical size of 50-100 nm. ► The fully coated carbon layer observed by HRTEM is of 2-4  nm thickness. ► The prepared LiFePO4/C core-shell nanocomposite shows a good rate performance.