Creation of mesopores in carbon nanotubes with improved capacities for lithium ion batteries.

The porous carbon nanotubes were selectively prepared from the pristine carbon nanotubes. The surface of carbon nanotubes was firstly functionalized with Fe2O3 nanoparticles and subsequent heat treatment induced CNT etching. After removal of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, mesopores were formed in carbon nanotubes and thus porous structure was obtained.