The size distribution, imaging and obstructing properties of C-60 and higher fullerenes formed within arc-grown single walled carbon nanotubes

The relative size distributions of molecules of C-60 and higher fullerenes observed in single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) produced by are vaporiza tion of carbon in the presence of a mixed Ni/Y catalyst are described. The experimental and calculated imaging properties of the fullerenes, which wer e observed in ca. 5-10% of SWNTs, are also described. The in situ e-beam ir radiation in a 300 kV field emission gun transmission electron microscope c auses rapid coalescence of the fullerenes within the SWNTs. The incorporate d fullerenes also directly impede crystal growth in SWNTs when their caviti es are filled by the Liquid phase capillary method. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.