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Carbon nanofilaments (CNFs) with platelet structure have been prepared by liquid phase carbonization using porous anodic alumina template, and their lithium ion insertion/extraction properties have been examined as a function of heat treatment temperature and filament diameter. The CNFs heat-treated at 1000 °C reveal higher capacitance and higher rate capability compared with those heat-treated at higher temperatures. Further, it is found that higher reversible capacity is obtained for the CNFs with reduced diameter. The reversible capacity of highly graphitized CNFs formed at 2800 °C is less than 200 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1, being far lower than the theoretical capacity (372 mA h g−1) of graphite. A probable reason is the presence of loop at the edge of graphene layers. Keywords: Carbon nanofilaments, Platelet structure, Lithium ion battery, Rate capability, Intercalation reaction