Researchers learn to control the dimensions of metal oxide nanotubes

August 27, 2007 | Source: PhysOrg.com

Georgia Institute of Technology researchers are developing tubular silicon-germanium nanomaterials, using inexpensive water-based chemistry, with nanometer control over their diameter and length.

Single-walled metal oxide nanotube assembling itself from small molecules and amorphous nanoparticles dissolved in water. Credit: Suchitra Konduri

The single-walled inorganic nanotubes could be useful in a range of nanotechnology applications that require precise control over nanotube dimensions.

Controlling the dimensions of nanostructures is critical because properties such as electronic band-gap depend strongly upon the dimensions.