Synthesis of Ni@SiO₂ Nanotube Particles in a Water-in-Oil Microemulsion Template

Ni@SiO₂ nanotubes with highly defined cylindrical cavities were synthesized in a water-in-oil microemulsion. The effects of several important synthesis variables were investigated, and a nanotube formation mechanism is hypothesized which has not been previously described. Ni particles were shown to be accessible through the SiO₂ shell of controllable thickness.