This paper summarizes our research work on composite-based high rate anode and cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Elemental Ag, Cu and C were applied as additives to prepare the composites with Li4Ti5O12, LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 and Si etc. It is suggested that the dispersion of the additives in the composites greatly depended on their fabrication processes. The improved electronic conductivity of the composites led to remarkably enhanced high rate capacity and cycling stability. In addition to elemental additives, the oxide CuxO was also applied as an additive for the composites of Li4Ti5O12 because of its electronic conduction characteristics which effectively improve the high rate performance of Li4Ti5O12. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.