The surfaces of two types of multiple wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), namely, straight and distorted tubes, were modified by mesophase pitch fluoride coating (PFC). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to compare the specific surface area (SSA), functional groups, and micrograph of the MWCNTs with and without modified coating. Results show that PFC can improve the SSA of the straight tube (55 %) more significantly than that of the distorted tube (7.27 %). However, surface coating is more easily implemented on the latter (F/C = 0.48) than on the former (F/C = 0.44) because of self-structure features. Electrochemical measurements indicate that PFC may enhance the specific surface capacitance and energy density of the two MWCNTs because of the effect of functional groups on the modified surface.