A simple and fast technique to grow free-standing germanium nanotubes and core-shell structures from room temperature ionic liquids

A simple and fast technique to grow free standing, open ended germanium nanotubes is demonstrated using template assisted electrodeposition from a room temperature ionic liquid. Germanium nanotubes as long as 2 mu m could be grown using this technique. We also show the possibility for the growth of core-shell structures. The technique demonstrated is not limited to the growth of Ge, but can be extended to grow other semiconductor nanotubes and core-shell structures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.