Formation of novel nanostructures using carbon nanotubes as a frame

Molecular nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanorods, represent ideal building blocks for nanoelectronic devices due to their unique electronic properties. We present recent progress in the formation of novel nanostructures which have been produced by substitution reaction from carbon nanotube templates. We report on the synthesis of boron doped single wall carbon nanotubes with different substitution levels, multiwall boron nitride nanotubes, boron nitride nanocapsules, silicon carbide nanostructures and gallium nitride nanostructures. The morphology, crystal structure and atomic ratio of the samples have been characterized by various techniques.