This study investigates the processing and potential application of Ti foams to the anode of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Ti foam is successfully synthesized using a water-based freeze-casting process, and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) is formed on the surface of the Ti foam for application to the anode of LIB. The metallic Ti foam acts as a current collector "platform" with increased surface area and the TiO2 surface coating acts as an active anode material. Coin-cell test results show that the unique combination of the Ti foam and the TiO2 coating anode has highly stable cycling properties and can thus be considered promising for use as an advanced anode for LIBs that require high safety and stability. It is anticipated that the use of the unique Ti-foam-based electrode design will not only be limited to LIBs but also will be applied to other energy and environmental areas as a catalyst or filter. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.