Abstract
The observation of one-dimensional N₂ inside single-walled carbon nanotubes raises the questions, how are the N₂ molecules formed and how do they manage to make their way to this peculiar place? We have used N(15) and C(13) isotope labeled acetonitrile during the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes to investigate this process. The isotope shifts of phonons and vibrons are observed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray absorption. We identify the catalytic decomposition of acetonitrile as the initial step in the reaction pathway to single-walled carbon nanotubes containing encapsulated N₂.
Highlights
The ability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to encapsulate N2 was rst demonstrated in ref
If N2 is enclosed in the as-synthesized MWNTs, the nanotubes exhibit a compartmentalized bamboo structure that traps pockets of N2.2,3 The detailed distribution of encapsulated N2 and N incorporated into the walls of MWNTs has been directly imaged by polarized scanning transmission X-ray microscopy.[4]
In MWNTs this is seen as a topological curvature resulting in the formation of separate compartments
Summary
1. If N2 is enclosed in the as-synthesized MWNTs, the nanotubes exhibit a compartmentalized bamboo structure that traps pockets of N2.2,3 The detailed distribution of encapsulated N2 and N incorporated into the walls of MWNTs has been directly imaged by polarized scanning transmission X-ray microscopy.[4] The alignment of N2 in the con ning walls has been observed by X-ray absorption.[5,6] A commonly observed effect of using N-containing precursors in the growth of single-walled (SW) and MWNTs by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the increased curvature in the emerging sp[2] networks. In MWNTs this is seen as a topological curvature resulting in the formation of separate compartments. In SWNTs, reducing diameters increase the geometrical curvature.[7,8,9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
