A chiral low-molecular-weight amphiphile, L-16Val6PyBr, was synthesized from L-valine, which can cause physical gels in water, benzene and nitrobenzene. Silica nanotubes with spring-like pore channels in the walls were prepared using the self-assemblies of it as templates via a single-templating approach. The morphologies and pore architectures of the silica nanotubes were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and N-2 sorptions. The TEM images taken after different reaction times indicated a cooperation mechanism. Moreover, nanoworms with concentric circular pore channels and nanoflakes with vertical pore channels were prepared by changing the concentration of the catalyst. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.