In an effort to improve the rate-capability of Li4Ti5O12 anode material, a dual-phase composite Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 is in situ prepared via a solvothermal route. The Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 composite shows higher reversible capacity and better rate-capability compared to single phase Li4Ti5O12. The TiO2 can decrease significantly the particle size of Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 powders due to a steric hindrance effect, which thereby shortens the lithium ion diffusion distance and enhances the electrode reaction. Meanwhile, anatase TiO2 can contribute some capacity to the Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 electrode. Coating the Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 composite with carbon (∼2.5 wt.%) can further improve the rate-capability of Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 electrode, a reversible capacity of ∼140 mA h g−1 is maintained after 100 cycles at 5 C.