Oct 1 2014
Silicon nanotubes are tube-like nanoparticles which are made of silicon atoms. They are similar to carbon nanotubes and widely used in the semiconductor industry due to their exceptional electromechanical properties. Silicon nanotubes are used in electronics as they contain hydrogen molecules and behave like a metal fuel.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of silicon nanotubes are outlined in the following table:
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Si |
| CAS No. |
7440-21-3 |
| Group |
14 |
| Electronic configuration |
[Ne] 3s2 3p2 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of silicon nanotubes are given in the following table:
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
2330 kg/cm3 |
84176.59 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
28.08 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of silicon nanotubes are provided in the table below:
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
1326.8°C |
2420.2°F |
| Boiling point |
2900°C |
5252°F |
Manufacturing Process
Silicon nanotubes can be synthesized by the process of chemical vapor deposition. The process uses an argon-filled reactor that employs an electric arc without the use of a catalyst.
They can also be prepared using a gas phase condensation technique.
Applications of Silicon Nanotubes
The key applications of silicon nanotubes are listed below:
- Hydrogen storage in fuel cell vehicles
- Durable cathode for lithium ion batteries
- Luminescent display devices
- Micro and integrated semiconductors
- Nano-photoelectric devices
- Biological applications