A simple one-step route for preparing α-MnO(2) nanotubes is reported. The α-MnO(2) nanotubes exhibit a high surface area of 226 m(2) g(-1) and reversible capacity of 512 mA h g(-1) at a high current density of 800 mA g(-1) after 300 cycles, as well as cycling stability when measured as an anode in lithium batteries.