Well-aligned nano-box-beams of SnO2

A new nanostructure, a nano-box-beam, of tin dioxide has been synthesized using a vapor deposition process in open atmosphere (see Figure). Each as-grown SnO2 nanotube is a single crystal with four {110} peripheral surfaces and [001] growth direction. The new nanostructure could be used in devices such as nanobatteries, nanoscale fuel cells, and nanosensors.