Room temperature fabrication of single crystal nanotubes of CaSn(OH)6 through sonochemical precipitation.

CaSn(OH)(6) nanotubes were fabricated by sonochemical precipitation method at room temperature. A direct rolling process from nanosheets to nanotubes was expected for the synthesis of CaSn(OH)(6) nanotubes. The transient CaSn(OH)(6) nanosheets are formed as intermediates produced by the spontaneous self-assembly and transformation of amorphous colloid clusters. During the crystallization process of intermediate nanosheets, the relaxation of surface strain in the nanosheet interfaces can induce the nanosheets to roll up to form nanotubes under ultrasonic conditions. In this synthesis, the addition of Na(2)CO(3) seems to play an important role in the formation, size, and shape control of the nanotubes. Investigations into the stability performance of the nanotubes indicate that the morphologies are very sensitive to pH and temperature. The method suggests a general strategy for the design and fabrication of functional single-crystalline nanotubes through an intermediate nanosheet rolling process. The in vitro fabrication of such single crystal nanotubes could shed light on fundamental mechanisms for closed hollow nanostructures. Furthermore, nanotubes produced in high yield and at low cost are envisioned to have applications in areas ranging from medicine to pharmaceuticals through to materials science.