Zn-assisted synthesis and photoluminescence properties of MgO nanotubes

A newly developed one-step Zn-assisted route has been used to produce MgO nanotubes (MNTs) by simple thermal evaporation of the mixed Zn and Mg powders without catalysts. The MNTs have average outer diameters of 80 nm and wall thicknesses of about 15 nm. The growth mechanism of MNTs is discussed in detail. The Zn/ZnO nanocables formed at the initial growth stage are crucial, act as interim templates for the formation of MNTs, and disappear automatically after formation of MNTs. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurement reveals structural-defect-related visible emissions of the synthesized MNTs. This kind of MNT with a high surface area may have promising applications as the sorbent for chemisorption and destructive adsorption of various pollutants and as a protective template by filling the MNTs with low-melting-point metals or semiconductor nanoparticles, due to their excellent refractory and thermal properties.