Single-crystalline α-Al2O3 nanotubes converted from Al4O4C nanowires

Single-crystalline Al4O4C nanowires can be synthesized at a high yield via a simple high-temperature solid reaction. A two-step method has been developed to convert the prepared nanowires into single-crystalline alpha-Al2O3 nanotubes (see Figure). These nanotubes may find high-temperature applications due to their unmatched refractory properties.