Cu nanotubes have been synthesized using silicon oxide nanowires as templates. The silicon oxide nanowires were then coated with a thin, uniform copper layer by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Hollow Cu nanotubes were then produced by etching away the inner silicon oxide templates with dilute HF solution. The synthesis process was simple and of low cost. A large quantity of the Cu nanotubes can be readily grown. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.