Graphitic carbon was coated with nano-TiO2 by a simple mechanical process. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to measure the crystal structure and surface morphology of the coated composite. Tests of galvanostatic discharge and charge and cyclic voltammograms suggest that the decomposition of propylene carbonate and the exfoliation of graphite are greatly suppressed. Lithium ions can reversibly intercalate into and deintercalate from the TiO2-coated graphite, and quite stable cycling behavior in propylene carbonate-based electrolyte is achieved. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.