Semiconducting nanotubes with well-controlled dimensions, compositions and crystal structures represent a new class of intriguing systems for detailed studies of structure–property relationships at the nanoscale and prospective functional applications. This article features recent research progress in the design of different synthetic routes towards important semiconducting nanotubes made of groupIV: silicon; groupIII–V: GaN, GaP, AlN, InN and InP, and groupII–VI: ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, CdS and CdSe. The fabricated nanotubes possess desirable atomic structures, surfaces, morphologies and properties to meet the growing demands and specific requirements of new technologies.
