This paper describes a new method to create nanoscale SiO2 pits or channels using single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWNTs） in an HF solution at room temperature within a few seconds. Using aligned SWNT arrays, a pattern of nanoscale SiO2 channels can be prepared. The nanoscale SiO2 patterns can also be created on the surface of three- dimensional （3D） SiO2 substrate and even the nanoscale trenches can be constructed with arbitrary shapes. A possible mechanism for this enhanced etching of SiO2 has been qualitatively analysed using defects in SWNTs, combined with H3O＋ electric double layers around SWNTs in an HF solution.
