Radial deformation measurements of isolated pairs of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Interactions between atoms of bound single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are known to cause measurable distortion to the tube's original circular cross-section frame. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigation was used here to directly image and verify these radial deformations. The data presented here provide, for the first time, direct measurements of the deformations due to the interactions between isolated pairs of nanotubes. The deformation data is compared to previously reported experimental and simulation results.

Measurement of radial deformation of single-wall carbon nanotubes induced by intertube van der Waals forces

“…This value agrees with the previous report for the 2 nm diameter tube. 6 The good agreement between experiment and the deformation predicted by the LJ potential suggests that interaction between carbon nanotubes is well described by the LJ potential.…”

Nanoscale displacement measurement of electrostatically actuated micro-devices using optical microscopy and digital image correlation

“…Due to their non-destructive nature and high accuracy, high magnification microscopy techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), are commonly used in the field of material characterization [1,2]. However, high resolution characterization of electrostatically actuated micro electromechanical systems (MEMS), and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) devices challenge these techniques, mainly due to drift distortions which are enhanced by the actuation voltage [3,4].…”

Controllable synthesis and rapid identification of carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions

“…In the following investigation of the effect of van der Waals interactions on CNTs, Abrams et al also observed radial deformation and tube buckling in some SWNT Y-junctions [138,139]. they found that the extent of deformation was diameter dependent [139]. The large-tube had a higher tendency to be deformed under the same stress of "zipper-effect", therefore they could be easily bent and buckled, in order to reduce the bending energy.…”

“…In 1993, radial deformation was discovered in two adjacent CNTs, and was attributed to the van der Waals interactions [140]. In the following investigation of the effect of van der Waals interactions on CNTs, Abrams et al also observed radial deformation and tube buckling in some SWNT Y-junctions [138,139]. they found that the extent of deformation was diameter dependent [139].…”

“…16 (c) and (d) exemplify two types of CNT adherence at a junction point[139]. The straight SWNT measured inFigure 2.16 (c) showed a diameter elongation due to the interactions with the top of the underlying CNT bundle, but a diameter contraction because of the interaction with the side of the bundle.…”