Inorganic nanotubes

Since the first report on the synthesis of inorganic WS2 nanotubes in 1992, the number of articles on the successful growth of different inorganic nanotubes has increased rapidly, emphasizing the importance of this field for nanotechnology. Although there are some geometrical similarities to carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanotubes are distinguished by important peculiarities, from their growth mechanisms to the physical and chemical properties that are attractive for potential applications. Their structural properties, which are important for such applications, are discussed in this review.