We report on a novel synthetic method of microwave processing with a domestic microwave oven to prepare LiFePO4 cathode materials. We also studied and report on the electrochemical properties of the resultant products. XRD revealed that a single phase LiFePO4 powder can be synthesized quickly and easily by microwave processing. The initial discharge capacity of a cell assembled with the powder was 125 mAh/g at 60 degreesC. The LiFePO4 obtained has a high electrochemical capacity and good cycle ability. These results indicate that microwave processing is a promising method for preparing LiFePO4 cathode materials. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.