A novel composite-derived activated carbon spheres, i.e., carbon nanotubes/phenolic-resin-derived activated carbon spheres (CNTs/P-ACSs) were prepared by carbonizing and activating spheres of CNTs/phenolic-resin. The activated carbon spheres produced have excellent mechanical strength, high-mesoporous volume and efficient adsorption to middle molecular weight toxins. The breakage force and adsorption capacity of 30% CNTs doped composite spheres are both several times of that of P-ACSs and commercial macroporous resin, showing great potential to be efficient haemoadsorbent for the removal of middle molecular weight toxins in haemoperfusion. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.