Carbon coating of fine particles of Li4Ti5O12 synthesized under hydrothermal condition is carried out by amphiphilic carbonaceous material (ACM) in aqueous solution, followed by carbonization at 800°C for 2h. The particles prepared are comprised of highly-crystalline spinel-type Li4Ti5O12 with the size in the range of 100–400nm without any agglomeration, of which surface is uniformly covered by a thin carbon layer. Their electrochemical performance as an anode in lithium-ion batteries is evaluated. The initial discharge capacity of carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 at 20C rate is 137mAhg−1 and remains as high as 125mAhg−1 after 100 cycles (91% retention), exhibiting good rate and cyclic performance. Carbon coating by using ACM as carbon precursor gives the Li4Ti5O12 particles an enhanced performance as an anode in lithium-ion batteries, owing to the improvement in electrical conductivity, polarization and ability of dispersion. This non-organic coating process may present a new economic, facile, and green pathway for the preparation of carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 as a high power anode material in lithium-ion batteries. ► Carbon-coated Li4Ti5Ol2 was prepared by using ACM as a carbon precursor. ► The obtained Li4Ti5Ol2 electrode presents high-rate capability and cyclic stability. ► This economic, facile, and green synthesis method enables the production on a large scale.