Gas phase-based growth of highly sensitive single-crystal rectangular micro- and nanotubesElectronic Supplementary Information (ESI) available: the size distribution of wall thickness of PTCDA M/NTs and TGA curve. See DOI: 10.1039/c1jm14238k

In this study, we report the preparation of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) micro/nanotubes (M/NTs) by a simple physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, and it was found that tubular structures with a diameter from 300 nm to 5 m and lengths up to tens of micrometres were obtained on a glass substrate at a deposition temperature of 350400 C. Detailed studies revealed that PTCDA M/NTs were formed via curling and seaming of a 2D lamellar structure constructed by virtue of the cooperation of some noncovalent interactions such as interactions and H-bonds, and it was a temperature-activated process. Devices based on single PTCDA microtubes with different diameters exhibited resistance decreased by 2 orders of magnitude in reducing hydrazine vapor (even for such a low concentration as 5 ppm). Such a successful application of the PVD process to simple organic molecules and highly efficient performance in devices are expected to provide great opportunities for the formation of diverse functional organic hollow nanostructures. Novel 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride single-crystal micro/nanotubes were prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and exhibited high sensitivity to hydrazine vapor.