A series of mesoporous tin samples have been prepared by means of a liquid crystal templating method. TEM images and X-ray diffraction data show the mesoporosity and the scale of the repeat structure. The lithium insertion and extraction behaviour of liquid crystal templated films were compared with those obtained from non-templating electrolytes. It was found that the templated films showed higher extraction capacities, which were attributed to the ability of mesoporous tin to expand and contract with less structural degradation than nonporous tin.