Single-crystalline AIN nanotubes with carbon-layer coatings on the outer and inner surfaces via a multiwalled-carbon-nanotube-template-induced route

Wurtzite-type single-crystalline AIN nanotubes with carbon coatings on the outer and inner surfaces (see Figure) were synthesized in bulk quantities through a substitution carbonitridation chemical process using multiwalled carbon nanotubes as templates. The AIN nanotubes are approximately several micrometers in length, with 45-50 nm diameters and 13 nm-thick walls, and have potential as high-temperature electronic or optoelectronic devices and as field emitters.