Dual-phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 nanocrystallines are prepared by a hydrothermal process and subsequent heat treatment. The as-prepared Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 nanocrystallines measure around 15-25 nm in size and have abundant phase interfaces. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that dual-phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 exhibit good electrochemical performance over individual single-phase Li4Ti5O12, especially at high current rates. Initial discharge capacities of dual-phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 nanocrystallines are 241 and 202 mAhg(-1) at discharge rates of 0.2 and 5 C, respectively. Even after 50 cycles at 20 C, the capacity still remains 140 mAh g(-1), which is four times greater than that of single-phase Li4Ti5O12 (29 mAhg(-1)). The high electrochemical performance indicates that dual-phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 nanocrystallines are highly promising anode materials for lithium ion battery applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.