Trititanate Nanotubes Made via a Single Alkali Treatment

A new type of crystalline trititanate nanotube (see Figure and inside front cover for a 3D drawing) has been synthesized in a single alkali treatment. Novel formation mechanisms of the nanotubes are proposed based on a series of experiments. In the process, NaOH can be regarded as a catalyst and a reusable source. The synthetic method is extremely inexpensive and may be applied to synthesize other oxide nanostructures.