Structural analysis of collapsed, and twisted and collapsed, multiwalled carbon nanotubes by atomic force microscopy

Authors
Yu, MF Kowalewski, T Ruoff, RS
Citation
Mf. Yu et al., Structural analysis of collapsed, and twisted and collapsed, multiwalled carbon nanotubes by atomic force microscopy, PHYS REV L, 86(1), 2001, pp. 87-90
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
86
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
87 - 90
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(20010101)86:1<87:SAOCAT>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
A fully collapsed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT1) section and a differ ent twisted and fully collapsed MWCNT were observed with tapping-mode atomi c force microscopy. The collapsed section of MWCNT1 was significantly more flexible than the uncollapsed sections, and advanced 120 nm within 1 month. The collapse of MWCNT1 was most likely initiated by its interaction with t he surface, and possibly a water meniscus. The ability of carbon nanotubes to radially deform under the influence of surface interactions is in striki ng contrast with their extremely high axial rigidity.