Porous (P-) and dense (D-) lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) powders as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by spray drying followed by solid-state calcination. Electrochemical testing results showed that the discharge capacities of P-Li4Ti5O12 are 144mAh/g, 128mAh/g and 73mAh/g at the discharging rate of 2C, 5C and 20C, respectively (cut-off voltages: 0.5–2.5V). The corresponding values for D-Li4Ti5O12 are 108mAh/g, 25mAh/g and 17mAh/g. The higher capacity of the P-Li4Ti5O12 at high charge/discharge rates was attributed to the shorter transport path of Li ions and higher electronic conductivity in the P-Li4Ti5O12 as a result of its smaller primary particle size and higher surface area compared with those of the D-Li4Ti5O12.