We show that electric current can be generated in metallic carbon nanotubes immersed in liquids flowing along them. Molecular layers of the liquid coat the nanotube, slip along its surface, and excite there a phonon wind, which drags free carriers in the tube. The induced electric current should allow building of nanoscale detectors or power cells.

• Received 19 May 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.131