Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -based composites are synthesized by one-step solid-state reaction, in which carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and pyrolytic carbon from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are introduced as conductive additives. XRD results reveal that the modified samples maintain the pristine spinel structure. SEM and TEM analysis confirm that the pyrolytic carbon and CNTs are well dispersed among the nanosized Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 particles in the composites. The pyrolysis of PVA can effectively prevent the growth of crystalline grains during sintering. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that minute amount of carbon additives can enhance the rate capability of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 significantly. Specifically, the co-modified sample delivers the reversible specific capacity of 166.7, 164.6, 161.4, 151.3 and 137.3mAhg −1 at 0.1C, 1C, 2C, 5C and 10C, respectively, and good cycling behaviors at different current densities are achieved.