High-surface area carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. Additionally, such high-surface area carbon nanotubes may have greater lengths and diameters, creating useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.