This article describes the carbon-free titania composite battery electrodes constructed from anisotropic, rod-shaped nanocrystals has very high and stable capacities, as well as outstanding rate capability, when compared to carbon-contg. counterparts. Monodisperse anatase titania nanorods are obtained by low-temp. base-catalyzed hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide and monodisperse nanospheres are synthesized in solvothermal conditions. Com. available 25 nm and 300 nm titania particles are used for comparison purposes. The voltage-capacity, specific capacity-cycle no. and electrochem. impedance characteristics of titania electrodes are evaluated.