Template synthesis of metal microtubules

Abstract : We have recently described a template method for the synthesis of organic microtubules. This method entails the use of the pores in a microporous membrane as templates for tubule formation. The key to the tubule-formation process in the presence of molecular anchors on the pore walls, These anchors insure that the tubule-forming materials deposits as a thin skin which lines the pore wall. We describe in this paper an electrochemical template method for the synthesis of metal (Au) microtubles. We also present a general paradigm for the formation of molecular anchors on the pore walls of alumina template membranes. We believe that this paradigm should allow for the synthesis of microtubles composed of any desired material.