The comparative crystallisation and HRTEM imaging properties of simple binary halides formed by the alkali iodides MI (M = Li, K, Na, Rb and Cs) within single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are described. The most common structure type observed within SWNTs is the rocksalt archetype, although CsI was observed to form both bcc and rocksalt structure types. In SWNTs forming in the 1.2-1.6 nm diameter range, all of the incorporated halides showed preferred orientation, with the (100) growth dir...