Synthesis and analytical potential of silica nanotubes

Abstract Silica nanotubes (SiO 2 NTs) have unique physico-chemical properties, which make them attractive building blocks in the field of nanotechnology. We review here some general methods to synthesize SiO 2 NTs and different approaches to functionalize them. Finally, we use some selected examples to illustrate the analytical applications and the potential of these nanomaterials.