Inorganic polymer-derived tubular SiC arrays from sacrificial alumina templates

An inorganic polymer-derived SiC array with a well-aligned tubular structure, tailored diameter, and wall thickness were prepared by using sacrificial alumina membrane as a template. After being pyrolyzed at 1250 degrees C, the template was etched away by treating with HF solution. The SiC tubes displayed a series of properties, such as high adsorption, high-temperature resistance, and electrically semiconductor. The SiC arrays prepared by the present methodology hold potential application in the field of optics and as a catalyst carrier due to its inherent properties. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.