Camphor vapour is pyrolysed in the presence of Fe, Ni and Co powder under a dinitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures (750–1050°C). While Fe and Ni catalyse the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNs), Co facilitates carbon nanobead growth. The CNs, obtained using a Fe catalyst at 950°C, are utilised as the anode in Li secondary batteries. The capacity of the batteries constructed in this way is as good as those prepared by graphitic carbon formed in the arc process.