Synthesis of a novel NiO tube with porous surface constructed by nanoworms

Nickel oxide (NiO) tubes were prepared by template method and characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer and Raman spectrum. The products exhibited tubular structure and the diameter of the tubes was dependent on the size of the fibre template. When controlling the preparation conditions, NiO tubes with porous surface could be obtained, and the tube walls were composed of a large amount of NiO nanoworms, forming porous structure. The NiO tubes with porous surface may exhibit improved performance in some applications such as catalysis and supercapacitors.