Inorganic nanotubes and inorganic fullerene-like materials based on layered compounds such as molybdenum disulphide were discovered shortly after CNTs. They have excellent tribological (lubricating) properties, resistance to shockwave impact, catalytic reactivity, and high capacity for hydrogen and lithium storage, which suggest a range of promising applications. Oxide-based nanotubes (such as titanium dioxide) are being explored for their applications in catalysis, photo-catalysis and energy storage.NanobeltsNanobelts are single crystal, defect-free, shape-specific semiconductors requiring no protection against oxidation - properties that have many potential applications. Research group, working with ZnO nanobelts, has shown that under certain conditions these can be grown in different crystallographic orientations with specific dimensions and shapes.