In this work, the LiFePO 4 nanorods are synthesized in an ionic liquid (IL) in the presence of a surfactant. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and nitrogen adsorption. The as-obtained LiFePO 4 nanorods in the IL have the diameter of about 200nm and the length of 1–2μm; but the aggregated LiFePO 4 microparticles are obtained in the aqueous solution. The results show that a higher temperature and a longer duration are needed in the IL than in the aqueous solution for the formation of LiFePO 4 ; that both IL and the surfactant play the key roles in the formation of LiFePO 4 nanorods. Furthermore, their charge and discharge properties are investigated. The LiFePO 4 nanorods show a higher discharge capacity (150 at 1C rate) and a higher rate capability than the aggregated particles (133mAhg −1 ). The adopted IL approach may provide a “green” route to achieve excellent battery materials.