α-Fe2O3 nanotubes in gas sensor and lithium-ion battery applications

Templated arrays of alpha-Fe2O3, nanotubes, produced using an alumina membrane, exhibit enhanced sensitivity to ethanol and hydrogen as well as enhanced electrochemical activity in lithium-ion batteries. The nanotubes, characterized by uniform size and shape (see Figure), possess a high specific surface area, leading to electrochemical activities much higher than that of bulk or nanoparticulate alpha-Fe2O3.