Abstract: As a potential "green" cathode material for lithium-ion batteries in the 21st century, olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) is receiving more and more attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity (170 mAh g?1), stable voltage plateau (3.5 V vs. Li/Li+), high safety, inexpensive and abundant source of raw materials, and environmental friendliness. Currently, LFP is developing towards high energy density and long cycle life. After years of efforts, researchers have optimized the synthesis route by exploring the charging and discharging principles of LFP, and tried carbon coating, doping modification, nanosizing and other methods to improve the performance of LFP. Based on the above studies, the structure, preparation method, its advantages and disadvantages, modification strategy and recycling of LFP are analysed and summarised, and the development trend of LFP is prospected.