Silica nanotubes decorated with internal periodic rings have been synthesized via a chemical vapor deposition process with the aid of sulfur. The amorphous nanotubes have an outer diameter of 400-600 nm and wall thickness of 50-60 nm with the internal periodic ring being spaced approximately 220 nm apart. Selective growth of nanotubes or nanocables is controlled via a designed evaporation process. Sulfur has been proved to play an important role in inducing a transition from nanowires to nanotubes. Featuring their periodic rings, these silica nanotubes may find potential applications in various optical, electronic and catalytic nanodevices. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.