Direct evidence for lip-lip interactions in multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

1 Also, we have demonstrated that single-walled carbon nanotubes prefer to grow with a closed end in a special case-inner growth [4]. ABSTRACT The stability of open edged multi-walled carbon nanotubes has been investigated by using in situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy at elevated temperatures. Formation of inter-shell structures was experimentally observed for the first time and attributed to a robust interaction between adjacent concentric shells (so-called lip lip interaction). The fl uctuating behavior of the inter-shell structures suggests a mechanism by which the carbon atoms can pass in or out through the inter-shell edges during carbon nanotube growth or shrinkage processes.