Mesoporous titania rods as an anode material for high performance lithium-ion batteries

► Mesoporous anatase TiO2 rods have been synthesized by ultraviolet irradiation and subsequent calcination processes. ► The unique mesoporous structure and the crystal nature of the rods ensure fast Li+ insertion/extraction kinetics. ► Mesoporous TiO2 rods with high electrochemical performance are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.