In this work, Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) was synthesized from the precursors of TiO2-B and anatase whiskers, respectively. The synthesized LTO whiskers from TiO2-B whiskers via a solid state reaction at 650 degrees C have a high degree of crystallinity with an average diameter of 300 nm. However, when anatase whiskers were used as the precursor, only particle morphology LTO was produced at 750 degrees C. The further analysis of the precursors, the intermediate products and the final products reveal that the crystal structure of the anatase hinders the diffusion of lithium, leading to a typical reaction diffusion process. Under this condition, only particle morphology LTO can be produced. However, the crystal structure of the TiO2-B is easy for lithium diffusion and the process is performed in two separated steps (i.e., diffusion and reaction), which makes it possible to decrease the solid-state reaction temperature down to 650 degrees C and then maintain the morphologies of whiskers. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.