Nanowire
arrays can be conveniently fabricated by electrodeposition
methods using porous anodized alumina oxide templates. They have found
applications in numerous fields. Nanotube arrays, with their hollow
structure and much enhanced surface-to-volume ratio, as well as an
additional tuning parameter in tube wall thickness, promise additional
functions compared with nanowire arrays. Using a similar fabrication
method, we have developed a facile and general method to fabricate
metallic nanotubes (NTs). Using Ni NTs as a model system, the mechanism
of the hydrogen-assisted NT growth was postulated and confirmed by
controlling the hydrogen formation with conductive salts in an electrodeposition
solution, which improves the H2 concentration but prevents
the large H2 bubbles from blocking the nanochannel of a
template. The controlled hydrogen generation forces the growth along
the wall of nanochannels in the templates, leading to the NT formation.
The magnetic properties can be controlled by the NT wall thickness,
making these NTs useful for various applications.