Hierarchical layered hydrous lithium titanate and Li4Ti5O12 microspheres assembled by nanosheets have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal process and subsequent thermal treatment. The electrochemical properties of the two samples have been investigated by galvanostatic methods. The former, with the obvious layered structure and a large surface area, delivers a reversible capacity of 180 mAhg(-1) after 200 cycles at 200 mAg(-1). As for Li4Ti5O12, with the intriguing and unique sawtooth-like morphology, it presents exceptional high rate performance and excellent cycling stability. Up to 132 mAhg(-1) is obtained after 200 cycles at 10,000 mAg(-1) (57 C), proving itself promising for high-rate applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.