Abstract
When a colloidal dispersion of fluorescent 1 nm silicon nanoparticles in alcohol is subjected to an electric field, the nanoparticles are driven to the surface of the anode substrate, where they form a thin film. Upon drying, the film delaminates from the surface of the anode and rolls up into
∼
100
μ
m
long nanotube. Nanotube diameters ranging from 0.2 to
5
μ
m
with wall thicknesses in the range of 20-40 nm have been achieved. By applying a force on the tubes using atomic force microscopy, we estimate Young's modulus of the film and find it to be close to that of rubber. We also study the crystalline structure of the film using electron diffraction and find it to be quartzlike.