Synthesis of ordered mesostructured silica nanotubal arrays

Novel mesostructured silica nanotubes perpendicular to the substrate were successfully prepared by the use of porous alumina membranes as a template. The uniform mesopores arranged over the whole nanotube sheath were about 5.5 nm in diameter. The mesoporous channels run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubes. The formation mechanisms and the characteristics of the mesostructured silica nanotubes were discussed in detail.