Synthesis and performance of Li4Ti5O12/C with little inert carbon

► Performances of Li4Ti5O12 and Li4Ti5O12/C electrodes without carbon black. ► Li4Ti5O12/C with only 0.47 wt% residual carbon works much better than Li4Ti5O12. ► Metallic Li4Ti5O12 formed during Li ions inter/deinterclation support the performance of Li4Ti5O12 without carbon black at low current rates. ► Conductive Ti (III) or/and residual carbon support the prepared Li4Ti5O12/C without carbon black at higher current rates. ► Though the metallic Li7Ti5O12 formed during lithium ions inter/deintercalation, there are still some spaces to enhance the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 with proper strategies adopted.