Novel Strategy for Facile Synthesis of C-Shaped CeO2 Nanotubes with Enhanced Catalytic Properties

Despite synthesis progress of one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, the fabrication of nanotubes with an exposed internal space remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a novel strategy to synthesize C-shaped CeO 2 nanotubes (NTs) via an electrospinning technique utilizing two immiscible polymers as template and the Kirkendall effect for the first time. The C-shaped nanotubes with the half-wall-like tubular structure possess an exposed internal space and large surface area, just like the letter “C”. The formation mechanism of C-shaped CeO 2 nanotubes has been rationally explained, and their exceptional performance and practicability have been befittingly evaluated. This facile synthesis strategy is applicable to various rare earth oxides. Our work opens a new route for the construction of a 1D C-shaped nanotubes structure. With their unique structure, the C-shaped nanotubes exhibit fantastic properties, which are extremely intriguing for their potential applications in catalysis, sensors, and microreactors.