An inorganic nanotube is a cylindrical molecule often composed of metal oxides, and morphologically similar to a carbon nanotube. Inorganic nanotubes have been observed to occur naturally in some mineral deposits.
Although Linus Pauling mentioned the possibility of curved layers in minerals as early as 1930, synthetic inorganic nanotubes did not appear until Reshef Tenne et al. reported the synthesis of nanotubes composed of tungsten disulfide (WS2) in 1992.
In the intervening years, nanotubes have been synthesised of many other inorganic materials, such as vanadium oxide and manganese oxide, and are being researched for such applications as redox catalysts and cathode materials for batteries.
Read more about Inorganic Nanotube: History and Occurrence, Materials, Properties and Potential Applications
Famous quotes containing the word inorganic:
“Man, unlike anything organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.”
—John Steinbeck (1902–1968)