Radial distribution function analysis of carbon nanotubes

Wide-angle X-ray scattering studies of carbon nanotubes produced by catalyt ic decomposition of acetylene on a supported Co catalyst are reported. The X-ray intensities were recorded up to maximum scattering vector K-max = 24 Angstrom and then Fourier transformed to real space. Yielding the radial di stribution functions of good spatial resolution were analysed by the model based on fitting procedures method. Detailed analysis of the experimental d ata by a least-squares fitting procedure shows that the local atomic struct ure exhibits the expected hexagonal network with the nearest-neighbour C-C distance of 1.41 Angstrom. Investigation of stacking nature of subsequent l ayers suggests the structure in which adjacent layers are arranged without spatial correlations with inter-tubule spacing of about 3.4 Angstrom.