In this work, a smart architecture (Si@void@C@TiO2) with hierarchical micro/mesopores is fabricated by in situ construction. Anatase-TiO2 particles are self-assembly anchored on the Si@void@C and some are potentially filling into the large mesopores of Si@void@C and then form incomplete cover followed by annealing. The unique cooperative coating not only offers stronger protections on account of Ti-O-C bond which increases the adhesion, but also optimizes the distribution of micro/mesopores, and thus provides fast electrons/ions transportation channels to active materials. As a consequence, the unique structure endows the electrode better rate capability and more superior cycling stability with 0.11% decay per cycle than Si@void@C (0.30% decay per cycle), manifesting the dominance of the incomplete cover for Si-based anodes. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.