ZnO nanotubes were synthesized on Au-coated silicon substrate by physical evaporation of the mixture of ZnO and graphite powders. The products were characterized by means of SEM, XRD, TEM and EDS. The as-prepared ZnO nanotube was a single crystal. A model for the VLS growth mechanism of ZnO nanotubes was presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.