Synthesis, characterization and formation process of transition metal oxide nanotubes using carbon nanofibers as templates

Mono and binary transition metal oxide nanotubes could be synthesized by the immersion of carbon nanofiber templates into metal nitrate solutions and removal of the templates by heat treatment in air. The transition metal oxide nanotubes were composed of nano-crystallites of metal oxides. The functional groups on the carbon nanofiber templates were essential for the coating of these templates: they acted as adsorption sites for the metal nitrates, ensuring a uniform metal oxide coating. During the removal of the carbon nanofiber templates by calcination in air, the metal oxide coatings promoted the combustion reaction between the carbon nanofibers and oxygen. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.