TiO2-B nanowires (20-40 nm diameter) may be prepared in high yield by a simple synthetic procedure. Lithium may be intercalated up to Li-0.91 TiO2-B corresponding to a capacity of 305 mAh g(-1) and at a potential of 1.6 V versus Li+ (1 M)/Li. This can be compared with 160 mAh g(-1) for Li4Ti5O12 and 165 mAh g(-1) for TiO2-anatase. Following a small irreversible capacity on the first cycle, capacity retention is excellent corresponding to a fade of < 0.1% per cycle at a rate of 50 mA g(-1). A capacity of 160 mAh g(-1) is sustained at a rate of 500 mA g(-1) in electrodes that were not optimised for rate capability. Results to date indicate that the small irreversible loss of capacity on the first cycle is not associated with a SEI layer. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.