The large surface area and excellent conductivity are two important factors for LiFePO4 to achieve high power capability in Li-ion batteries. This paper presents a hydrothermal method to obtain large surface, spindle-shape and carbon-coated LiFePO4 particles. Pyrogallic acid was added to serve as reducing agent, surface growth directing template and carbon source to synthesize craggy-faced LiFePO4/C composite materials. It helps to control the morphology and implement carbon coating on the particles. The LiFePO4/C particle synthesized with 8 wt.% pyrogallic acid demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, cyclic ability and rate capability. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.