Investigation of Electron Momentum Density in Carbon Nanotubes Using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Valence Compton profiles (CPs) of multiwall (MWCNTs) and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were obtained by recording electron energy-loss spectra at large momentum transfer in the transmission electron microscope, a technique known as electron Compton scattering from solids (ECOSS). The experimental MWCNT/SWCNT results were compared with that of graphite. Differences between the valence CPs of MWCNTs and SWCNTs were observed, and the SWCNT CPs indicate a greater delocalization of the ground-state charge density compared to graphite. The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility and potential of the ECOSS technique as a complementary tool for studying the electronic structure of materials with nanoscale spatial resolution.

Compton profile of few-layer graphene investigated by electron energy-loss spectroscopy

“…Compton scattering is a well-established and unique tool to study the electronic structure of materials via their electron momentum density 22–26 . The shape of the Compton profile is sensitive to the state of the valence electrons of the atoms which combine to form the condensed phase of the material 7 .…”