title: Comments on 'Formation and characterization of nanotubes of La(OH)3 obtained using porous alumina membranes'.
abstract: New experimental evidence concerning the formation of La(OH)3 nanowires on anodic alumina membranes by cathodic polarization in 0.05 M lanthanum nitrate solution is provided to further support the conclusions previously reached in our work (Bocchetta et al 2007 Electrochem. Commun. 9 683-8) and recently criticized by González-Rovira et al (Nanotechnology 2008 19 495305). Some unconvincing aspects of the paper of González-Rovira et al, according to which the same electrochemical process should lead to the formation of hydroxycarbonate nanotubes, are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Processi e dei Materiali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bocchetta
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santamaria
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Quarto