Synthesis of indium tin oxide nanotubes using 2-methoxyethanol as solvent via simple template method

Sn-doped In2O3 [indium tin oxide (ITO)] nanotubes, about 250 nm in diameter and 2–5 μm in length, were prepared via a simple template method with 2-methoxyethanol as solvent. The hydrogen bond interaction between 2-methoxyethanol and the metal-alkoxide formed by reaction of metal ions with 2-methoxyethanol played an important role in fabricating intact ITO nanotubes. Additionally, the suitable concentration of 2-methoxyethanol (1–1.5 mol L−1) was necessary to prepare intact ITO nanotubes with smooth surfaces in this method. At room temperature, the synthesized ITO nanotubes exhibited strong PL emission at 473 nm, indicating a high level of oxygen deficiencies in the ITO nanotubes.