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One-dimensional metallofullerene crystal generated inside single-walled carbon nanotubes
K Hirahara1, K Suenaga, S Bandow
1Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Faculty of Science and Technology, Meijo University, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|January 3, 2001
Summary
Gadolinium metallofullerenes within single-wall carbon nanotubes form regular chains, acting as novel one-dimensional crystals. Charge transfer occurs, influencing electrical resistance in these unique nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are versatile nanomaterials with unique electronic properties.
- Metallofullerenes, such as gadolinium encapsulated in C82 (Gd@C82), offer potential for novel electronic and magnetic applications.
- Encapsulating metallofullerenes within SWNTs presents an opportunity to create ordered nanostructures with tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and electronic properties of gadolinium metallofullerenes encapsulated in SWNTs.
- To investigate the charge transfer dynamics between gadolinium, fullerene cages, and SWNTs.
- To understand the influence of encapsulated metallofullerenes on the electrical transport properties of SWNT films.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy (imaging) was used to visualize the Gd@C82 within SWNTs.
- Chemical state analysis was performed to determine the electronic state of Gd atoms.
- Temperature-dependent electrical resistance measurements were conducted on films of encapsulated SWNTs.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of single Gd atoms within each C82 fullerene, which were then encapsulated in SWNTs [(Gd@C82)n@SWNTs].
- Gd@C82 molecules exhibited highly regular intermolecular distances, forming structures analogous to one-dimensional crystals.
- Evidence of charge transfer from Gd to the fullerene cage or SWNT was observed.
- Films of (Gd@C82)n@SWNTs and (C60)n@SWNTs showed significantly steeper temperature dependence of electrical resistance compared to empty SWNTs.
Conclusions:
- Gd@C82 encapsulation within SWNTs creates ordered one-dimensional nanostructures with potential crystalline properties.
- Charge transfer interactions significantly influence the electronic behavior of these hybrid nanomaterials.
- The electrostatic potential from encapsulated fullerenes plays a crucial role in electron scattering within SWNTs, impacting their electrical resistance.