Image (IMAGE) DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Caption A microscopy image (top figure) of the nanotubes, generated in a sheet and a schematic (bottom image) of the layers that each tiny tube is composed of. Embedded in the silica layer are "molecular wires" made of short hydrocarbon chains that attach to the cobalt oxide on the inside and connect to the silica-titanium dioxide boundary on the opposite side. These wires conduct charges, which are generated by light absorbing molecules at that boundary, across the membrane to the cobalt oxide, enabling water oxidation. Credit Berkley Lab Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.