Hollow 1-D gold nanostructures with controlled morphology could be readily obtained by RF-sputtering of gold into porous matrices (polycarbonate, polyester), used as scaffolds at low temperatures. Post-synthesis membrane etching by oxygen plasmas or in solution enabled the preparation of free-standing Au nanotubes maintaining the original morphology, that are attractive elements in device structures, such as biosensors for DNA chips or nanoelectrode ensembles. The present results appear extremely promising for the scale-up of different kinds of 1-D materials.