Transformation of silicon nanoparticles on a carbon nanotube heater into hollow graphitic nanocapsules via silicon carbide

Abstract

The changes in the structure and composition of silicon (Si) nanoparticles supported on a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) during Joule heating of the MWCNT were studied by in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Si nanoparticles reacted with the outer layers of the MWCNT to form silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles with increasing temperature. At temperatures of up to approximately 1900K, silicon atoms were entirely sublimated from the SiC nanoparticles, and the remaining carbon atoms formed hollow carbon nanocapsules consisting of multilayered graphene shells on the MWCNT.