Anatase TiO2 is one of the anode active materials for next generation lithium ion batteries with the most potential, but suffers from poor electronic conductivity. A novel strategy has been developed for the synthesis of TiO2/C core-shell nanostructure without the addition of external carbon source. The approach is simple by using the thermal decomposition of titanium (IV) oxide acetylacetonate under Ar atmosphere. The metal acetylacetonate decomposes into TiO2 metal oxide with carbon coating on the surface. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses were employed to characterize the morphology of the powders and the X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the crystal structure of the composite. The results of the galvanostatic charge-discharge show the composite exhibited stable capacity retention and good rate capabilities. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.