Perovskite-type La0.59Ca0.41CoO3 nanotubes were prepared by a sol-gel template method. The composition, morphology, structure, microstructure, and surface properties of the as-prepared products were characterized by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. The as-prepared nanotubes were used as the catalysts in the air electrode for oxygen evolution, exhibiting superior catalytic activity and durability in comparison with that of the electrodes made by nanoparticles. This is promising for the La0.59Ca0.41CoO3 nanotubes as electrocatalysts of air electrodes in fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries. Furthermore, the La0.59Ca0.41CoO3 nanotubes were made into sensors and the sensitivity to hydrogen and ethanol was also measured, showing the tube interest in the application of gas sensors due to the nanostructure with interconnected hollow behavior. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.