The first oxide nanotubes with alternating inter-layer distances

A novel type of vanadium oxide nanotube (VOx-NT) has been discovered in the course of a comprehensive study investigating the influence of ammonia on the tube formation. Compared to the conventional vanadium oxide nanotubes prepared at pH values between four and eight, the new tubes were obtained under slightly basic conditions (pH 9–10), adjusted by ammonia. As revealed by transmission electron microscopy images, the wall structure comprises two different inter-layer distances that occur alternately. Such a wall structure is without precedent in any other tubular material.