Cross-section of a bundle of single walled

nanotubes

Thess et al Nature

Cross-section of a bundle of single walled

nanotubes

Thess et al Nature

1.4nm

SWNTs

Possible Formation mechanism

catalyst - C60

covered in Ni and Co

3.4 nm

Ferrocene interplanar distance is 3.4nm

0.7nm

0.35nm

0.35nm

1.4nm

Cross-section of a bundle of SWNTs with C60 molecules inside (Thess et

al)

1nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

• Bundles of SWNTs

• Formed by laser ablation of graphite

• Ni and Co present

• Diameters fairly uniform ca 1.4nm

• Conditions ideal for C60 formation

0.34 nm

Ferrocene

Graphene sheet nucleation zone

C60

Ni/Co atoms

Graphene sheet nucleation zone

C60

Ni/Co atoms

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

C60 molecules inside a SWNT Smith, Monthioux and Luzzi Nature

1998

2nm

General Research Strategy at Sussex

What fundamental information about nanotube formation can we deduce from their structures and the catalytic particles that create them?

Suggested mechanism for the formation for single walled carbon nanotubes which are ca 1.4nm diameter