Li4Ti5O12 based spinel-framework structures are of great interest as negative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. We describe here the first synthesis of nano-scale Li4Ti5O12 material using sol-gel method, by which excellent phase purity and good stoichiometric inorganic oxides were obtained. According to the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis, uniformly distributed Li4Ti5O12 particles with grain sizes of 100 nm were synthesized. Lithium cells, consisting of Li4Ti5O12 cathodes and lithium anodes, showed the initial capacity of 272 mAh g(-1) in the range of 1.0-2.5 V Furthermore, the crystalline structure of Li4Ti5O12 didn't transform during the lithium intercalation and deintercalation process. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.