Chrysotile nanotubes (ChNTs) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and N-2 adsorption-desorption. The results of XRD analysis confirm that the synthetic samples own the pure monoclinic chrysotile. The morphology images show that ChNTs have a hollow nanotubular structure. A batch experiment was employed to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of ChNTs toward Pb(II). The kinetic adsorption of Pb(II) on ChNTs can be described by a pseudo-second-order model very well. The adsorption of Pb(II) on ChNTs are strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The adsorption isotherms are fitted well by the Langmuir model, having a maximum adsorption capacity of 25.08 mg center dot g(-1) at 298 +/- 1 K. The thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption for Pb(II) indicate that the adsorption process of Pb(II) on ChNTs is spontaneous and endothermic. Herein, this finding suggests that ChNTs can be applied on the preconcentration of Pb(II) in the field of water treatment.