To fulfill the requirement for large-scale energy-storage systems, lithium ions batteries have been attracted great attentions. It is necessary to develop the anode material with high rate capability, long cycling life and outstanding safety. Here, N-doped carbon been successfully synthesized and estimated as an anode material for lithium ions batteries. PbLi2Ti6O14 is isostructural with SrLi2Ti6O14. After nitrogen-doped carbon coating, PbLi2Ti6O14@NC delivers a high capacity of 143.2 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mAg(-1) and remains 104.8 mAh g(-1) even at 700 mAg(-1). In addition, PbLi2Ti6O14@NC also possesses excellent cyclic stability. The reversible capacity of PbLi2Ti6O14@NC can keep at 99.7 mAh g(-1) after 1500 cycles. Such results are also proved by CV tests and EIS measurements. Meanwhile, the lithium storage mechanism of PbLi2Ti6O14@NC is investigated by an in situ XRD technique. It indicates that PbLi2 Ti6O14@NC has a stable structural host. These aforementioned results suggest that PbLi2Ti6O14@NC has great potential working as an anode material for lithium ions batteries. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.