Abstract: A method of preparing a composite cathode active material having superior cell characteristics includes mixing and milling starting material, carbon and an organic complexing agent. The mixture is heated at a first temperature in an inert atmosphere to form a composite precursor, and then the precursor is ground and heated at a second temperature in an inert atmosphere to produce a carbon-containing composite cathode material having high electronic conductivity The said composite cathode has a general formula of LiFe1-xMxPO4—C, within 0?x<1, M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn and a mixture thereof.