TiNb6O17 shows a similar crystal structure to Ti2Nb10O29 (Wadsley-Roth shear structure) but has larger lattice parameters and 0.49% cation vacancies, leading to its large Li(+) ion diffusion coefficients. It exhibits a large initial discharge capacity of 383 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C, high rate performance and good cyclability.