Carbon coated lithium iron phosphates were prepared by a carbon aerogel synthesis process, through which LiFePO4 particles were embedded in amorphous carbon. The carbon coating effect can significantly enhance the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared LiFePO4 cathode materials were systematically characterised. The carbon coated LiFePO4 cathode demonstrated a high capacity and stable cyclability.