A generic approach for preparing core-shell carbon-metal oxide nanofibers: morphological evolution and its mechanism.

Carbon-SnO(2) core-shell hybrid nanofibers were prepared via single-spinneret electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment. The Kirkendall effect during the heat treatment is found to be responsible for the formation of core-shell morphology. The route is proven to be generic for fabrication of carbon-metal oxide or carbon-metal core-shell nanofibers, and corresponding nanotubes.