The Si (Li4Ti5O12)/Ag composites were synthesized by electroless deposition (ED), and amorphous carbon was incorporated into Si and Li4Ti5O12 by dehydration reaction using concentrated H2SO4 as dehydration agent and thermal decomposition of sucrose for the preparation of Si(Li4Ti5O12)/C composites. The Si/Ag(C) composite electrodes demonstrated superior cyclabilities owing to the improvement of electronic conductivity; meanwhile, the high-rate capability of Li4Ti5O12 electrode was also greatly improved after incorporation of silver and amorphous carbon. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.