Nitridated TiO2 mesoporous spheres have been synthesized by hydrothermal processing followed by post-nitridation with NH3. Characterization data reveal a nitridated conducting layer, in addition to a mesoporous and nanosized building-block morphology resulting in a large surface area. The sample has an average pore size and surface area of, respectively, 10 nm and 87 m(2)/g. The nitridated TiO2 mesoporous spheres exhibit a high capacity of > 200 mAh/g with good cyclability and high rate capability, as the nitridated conducting layer and favorable morphology of nanosized spheres provides good electrical contact, accommodates cycling induced strain smoothly, and facilitates lithium-ion diffusion.