Nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 is always synthesized under relatively low temperature to prevent crystal growth, however, low-temperature treatment leads to low crystallinity. In this work, we use a chemical vapor deposition strategy to synthesis uniformly carbon layer coated Li4Ti5O12 nanowire. This method allows calcining Li4Ti5O12 nanowire under high temperature to obtain high crystallinity of Li4Ti5O12 without destroying its morphology. The Li4Ti5O12 displays excellent rate capacity. Also, the carbon coated layer could protect the Li4Ti5O12 surface from side reaction with electrolyte. The carbon coated Li4Ti5O12 nanowire shows excellent capacity retention during charge/discharge under elevated temperature of 55 degrees C due to high crystallinity and reduced side-reaction. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.