Mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes are prepared by templating against carbon fibers through a facile solution approach followed by calcination at 800 degrees C for 2 h. The nanotubes are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen adsorption. The electrochemical performances as the anodes of lithium-ions batteries are studied by the cyclic voltammogram (CV) and galvanostatic discharge-charge voltage tests. Because of its unique structure (the mesoporous wall, internal void and open ends), the as-obtained mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes demonstrate a reversible capacity of 585 mA h g(-1) up to 50 cycles at a high current density of 400 mAg(-1). (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.