Tubular 0.5Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.5Li(4)Mn(5)O(12) has been synthesized by a facile self-templating method starting from tubular beta-MnO2. The wall thickness and diameter of 0.5Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.5Li(4)Mn(5)O(12) nanotubes are around 200 and 500 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy observations confirm the composite character, where the Li4Mn5O12 nano-domains are integrated with the Li2MnO3 nanodomains. The tubular composite synthesized at 600 degrees C exhibits better electrochemical properties than that synthesized at 700 degrees C due to the higher ratio of LiMn2O4 decomposed from Li4Mn3O12. The tubular composite also exhibits better electrochemical properties than the microsized aggregated particles due to the unique tubular nanostructure with large specific surface, short Li-ion diffusion pathway, and loose stacking of the tubes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.