Nano-sized TiO2 powders were prepared by a hydrothermal synthetic method for use as anode materials in lithium secondary batteries. The prepared TiO2 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction. (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical tests. TiO2 nanoparticles were obtained at sintering temperatures between 200 and 600 degrees C. Calcination of the powders at 500 degrees C results in the formation of TiO2 nano-sized particles of 22 nm in crystal size. These deliver a reversible discharge capacity of over 170 mAh g(-1) between 1.5 and 3.0 V with excellent capacity retention over 95% after 100 cycles. It is speculated that the nano-sized TiO2 powders are effective candidates for lithium secondary anode materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.