Controlled transformation of carbon coating on silicon nanochains into nanotubes of carbon by Joule heating

► We report a method of carbon coating of silicon nanochains for controlled transformation into nanotubes of carbon. ► The surface of silicon nanochains is coated with hexadecanoic acid after plasma cleaning. ► Individual nanochains are Joule heated in a TEM and transformed into nanotubes. ► The thickness of the nanotube sidewalls can be controlled to some extent using this method. ► This method would be useful for nano-wiring.