The mobility of surface-bound metallic nanoparticles (NPs) on catalyst supports results in agglomeration leading to a subsequent decrease in effectiveness of the catalytic behavior of the metal NPs over time. We report here the synthesis and characterization of a carbon nanotube (CNT) catalyst support system enhanced with 'docking stations' along the exterior which limit the surface mobility of ultra small iron catalyst particles on CNT surfaces during Fisher-Tropsch synthesis.