The sodium titanate nanorods were synthesized via hydrothermal reaction in NaOH solution. Then the Li-Ti-O compound nanorods were prepared by a molten salt method in molten LiNO3, which was involved in the ion-exchange process, and by calcination at 400-700 oC in air. It is found that Li-Ti-O compound was of nanorod morphology and underwent a phase transition to a mixture of Li-poor anatase LixTiO2 and spinel Li4Ti5O12. The electrochemical lithium storage property was tested by constant current charge/discharge. Results demonstrate that the Li-Ti-O compound nanorods calcined at 600 oC have excellent specific capacity, good reversibility and high rate discharge capability.