A method for preparing porous graphitic carbon in the presence of an Fe salt using sucrose and mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as a carbon precursor and a removable template, respectively, is described. Hydrothermal treatment was essential for the development of a graphitic structure in the final carbon. Characterization of the porous graphitic carbon indicated a high surface area (490 m2/g) and large pore volume (0.5 cm3/g).