Growth model for carbon nanotubes

Sumio Iijima, P. M. Ajayan, and T. Ichihashi
Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 3100 – Published 23 November 1992
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Abstract

Evidence is presented, through high-resolution electron microscopy images, for the open-end growth of carbon nanotubes. Terminations of incomplete layers of carbon, seen on the tube surfaces and cone tips, suggest that the extension and thickening of the tubes occur by the island growth of graphite basal planes on existing tube surfaces. The nucleation of positive (pentagons) and negative (heptagons) disclinations on open tube ends results in changes of growth directions, producing different morphologies. A novel structure that shows complete ‘‘turn around growth,’’ involving pentagon-heptagon pairs, of the tubular assemblies is presented.

  • Received 4 August 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.69.3100

©1992 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Sumio Iijima, P. M. Ajayan, and T. Ichihashi

  • NEC Corporation, Fundamental Research Laboratories, 34 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan

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Issue

Vol. 69, Iss. 21 — 23 November 1992

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