<p>Iron phosphide (FeP) is regarded as one of the most promising anode candidates for lithium-ion storage due to its high capacity (926 mAh g⁻¹), abundance of iron, and low cost. However, large volumetric variation during lithiation/delithiation and poor electronic conductivity restrict its application. Herein, FeP nanoparticles embedded in porous partially graphitized carbon spheres have been synthesized via an in situ iron catalyzation of amorphous carbon and followed by phosphorization, with purpose to enhance electronic conductivity and buffer large volumetric variation of FeP simultaneously. Structural and electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that the FeP/C anode with carbon content of 36% display the best Li ion storage properties. Its capacity reaches 554 mAh g⁻¹ at the 500 th cycle with a capacity retention of almost 100% at 2 A g⁻¹<b>,</b> except a capacity drop in the initial 10 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance maybe ascribed to its fast Li ion diffusion rate and capacitance-dominated charge storage. The configuration of FeP nanoparticles embedded in porous partially graphitized carbon spheres provides a new sight for high-performance FeP anode candidate.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>