Synthesis of carbon-encapsulated nanowires using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon precursors

Jiyan Dai, J. M. Lauerhaas, A. A. Setlur, R. P.H. Chang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

60 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A method using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursors for synthesizing carbon nanotubes filled with pure copper or germanium is reported. A model is proposed where the interaction of small copper or germanium clusters with PAH molecules is shown to form carbon-encapsulated nanowires. The validity of this model is demonstrated by showing that filled nanotubes are formed in a hydrogen arc which produces PAH molecules when graphite electrodes are used. Alternatively, we have also used pyrene (C16H10), a PAH molecule, to grow encapsulated nanowires directly. No filled nanotubes are found in a helium arc which does not generate PAHs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)547-553
Number of pages7
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume258
Issue number5-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Aug 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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