Li4Ti5O12/C composites were synthesized by facile solid-state reaction using lithium lactate as carbon and lithium sources and TiO2 as titanium source. In this process, the effects of different synthesis temperatures and Li/Ti molar ratios were discussed. The crystal structures, microstructures and electrochemical properties of as-prepared Li4Ti5O12/C composites were investigated by thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, cyclic voltammograms and rate charge-discharge. These analyses showed that the Li4Ti5O12/C composites obtained at optimized conditions of 800 degrees C and Li/Ti molar ratio of 4:5 exhibited excellent rate performance and cycling stability as well as high reversible capacity with high crystallinity and purity. At 1 C, the optimized Li4Ti5O12/C composites delivered the initial capacity of 168.0 mAh g(-1) with capacity retention of 97.9% after 50 cycles. Particularly, even at 10 degrees C, it still delivered 140.0 mAh g(-1) with a high capacity retention of 90.2% after 200 cycles. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.