Synthesis of LiFePO4/C nanocomposites via ionic liquid assisted hydrothermal method

•The nanocubic LiFePO4/C particles were prepared via hydrothermal method.•Ionic liquid was added to control the particle size and morphology.•Glucose served as carbon source and ascorbic acid served as reducing agent.•The sample prepared with 1 ml ionic liquid has better electrochemical properties.

Nanocube-like LiFePO4/C particles are prepared through a hydrothermal method in the presence of ionic liquid and glucose. Ionic liquid is used as co-solvent and surface growth directing template agent to control the size and morphology of the particles. Glucose serves as the carbon source to conduct carbon coating. A proper concentration of ionic liquid can decrease the particles size and the as-prepared sample in this concentration demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, cyclic ability and rate capability.