High performance Sr0.95M0.05Li2Ti6O14 (M3+ = Y3+ Cr3+, La3+) are prepared and evaluated as lithium storage anodes for rechargeable batteries via strontium atoms substituting by heteroatoms. The phase structure and morphology of the as-prepared products are systematically studied by various analytical methods. It demonstrates that Y3+, Cr3+ and La3+ are successfully introduced into the Sr-site of SrLi2.Ti6O14 without changing its morphology and size. Galvanostatic discharge/charge tests and rate properties are also investigated between 5.0 and 2.0 V. Contributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity, improved lithium-ion diffusion coefficient and decreased charge-transfer resistance after La3+ doping, it is found that Sr0.95La0.05Li2Ti6O4 exhibits high reversible capacity and excellent rate capability. It can deliver an initial charge capacity of 159.54 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) with the capacity retention of 94.7% after 100 cycles. Furthermore, it can still deliver an initial capacity of 146.21 mAh g(-1) at 700 mA g(-1), with only 8.7% of capacity lost after 1000 cycles. In addition, its structural stability and electrochemical reversibility are also demonstrated by in-situ XRD investigation, with only 2.16% of volume expansion throughout the whole discharge and charge process.(C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.