The solid-state reaction of iron oxide, lithium carbonate and the ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate leads to the formation of lithium iron oxide (LFO). This synthesis is a simple way to realize particles in a range of 200 nm to 10 mu m. Varying the temperature of the solid-state reaction is possible to control the surface and morphology of the LFO particles. The material can be processed in water for the realization of composite anodes suitable for use in lithium ion batteries. The LEO-based anodes, which feature the typical behavior of conversion electrodes, might display high specific capacity and decent cycling stability. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.