Abstract: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) has become of great interest as a potential cathode material for lithium ion batteries because of its high theoretical capacity (170mAh穏-1) and voltage (3.5V, vs.Li/Li+), low raw materials cost, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, and safety.Starting with the crystal structure and charge-discharge mechanism, we analyze the causes of the poor electrical conductivity and rate performance of LiFePO4, review studies of the reaction mechanism, and discuss methods to improve the conductivity and rate performance. Finally, the prospects of future development in this field are presented.