In various embodiments, the present invention provides a relatively low cost and substantially chemical free method of making high surface area mesoporous carbon (as well as novel mesoporous carbon hollow tube (MCHT) structures made thereby) utilizing the cellulose framework found in natural wood and/or other plant fibers to make porous carbon structures. In some embodiments, the present invention will provide porous carbon structures having higher surface area than porous carbon structures made using prior art template methods, higher adsorption capacity than commercial activated carbon, and, in some embodiments, excellent electrochemical capacitance and storage capabilities. These new carbon materials may be adapted for a wide variety of uses including such things as removal of both inorganic and organic toxic pollutants from water, energy storage/conversion, supercapacitor electrodes for electrochemical energy storage, adsorption, and catalysis.