Self-assembly growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes

The growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes through adduction of small carbo n clusters is studied using a molecular-dynamics simulation method. The per fection of the tubes grown depends on the collisional direction, the growth temperature, and the cluster species involved. Narrow single-wall carbon n anotubes can grow without existence of catalysts under controlled condition s. C-2, colliding with the side wall of the tubes, can be assembled into th e network forming localized defects during annealing. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.