Li4Ti5O12/C nano-particles is synthesized at 800 degrees C, and investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM, and the carbon in the composite is detected by Raman spectroscopy. Experimental results indicate that compared with those synthesized at 600,700 and 900 degrees C and pure Li4Ti5O12 the Li4Ti5O12/C nanoparticles synthesized at 800 degrees C remarkably enhances the rate performance and cycling performance of lithiumion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries with nanocrystalline Li4Ti5O12 used as anode exhibit an excellent reversible capacity of 169, 141, 132, 106 and 82 mA hg(-1), at the current density of 1 C, 10 C, 20 C, 40 C and 80 C, respectively. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.