Mesoporous polyaniline/TiO2 microspheres with core-shell structure as anode materials for lithium ion battery

► Mesoporous polyaniline/anatase TiO2 microspheres with core-shell structure are fabricated via a facile hydrothermal route. ► The two-step assembly process is involved in the formation of the core-shell structure. ► Polyaniline/anatase TiO2 microspheres with such mesoporous and core-shell hierarchical architectures present excellent cycle stability and high rate capability as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. ► The strategy adapted here would be helpful to explore and develop new electrode active materials.