A novel hybrid material for Li ion battery anodes, synthesized from polysiloxane-derived SiCO and nanoparticulate TiO₂, exhibited specific capacity in excess of 850 mA h g⁻¹, fully recoverable capacity after cycling at severe current densities, as high as 20 000 mA g⁻¹ or 300 C rate, and exceptional stability beyond 1000 charge discharge cycles without capacity fading. Microscopy of the anodes after 3000 cycles showed no degradation or loss of materials.