TiO2-graphene nanosheets (GNS) composites are prepared via an in situ chemical synthesis method, which enables a homogenous dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles on the graphene nanosheets. The obtained TiO2-GNS composites are anatase-GNS, while TiO2 is nanosized rutile without the incorporation of GNS. The resulting TiO2-GNS composites are employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, showing a high initial reversible capacity of 306 mAh g(-1) as well as a good cycling stability. The TiO2-GNS composites can deliver 60 mAh g(-1) at a current rate as high as 5 A g(-1) and demonstrate negligible fade even after 400 cycles. The superior electrochemical performances of the TiO2-GNS composites can be attributed to their unique structures, which intimately combine the conductive graphene nanosheets network with uniformly dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2-GNS composites could be promising candidate materials for high-power, low-cost, and environmentally friendly anodes for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.