Multiwalled nanotube faceting unravelled
Itai Leven1, Roberto Guerra2,3, Andrea Vanossi2,3
1Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences and The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Computational Molecular and Materials Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
Nature Nanotechnology
|November 8, 2016
Summary
Multiwalled nanotube faceting, crucial for advanced technologies, is explained by matching chiral angles between layers. This phenomenon depends on interlayer registry, diameter, and chirality, influencing mechanical and electronic properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Nanotubes possess exceptional properties linked to their structure.
- Circumferential faceting in multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs) enhances mechanical strength and modifies tribological and electronic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rationalize the phenomenon of circumferential faceting in MWNTs.
- To elucidate the relationship between interlayer registry patterns and nanotube properties.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of interlayer registry patterns in MWNTs.
- Investigation of the role of chiral angle matching between adjacent layers.
- Correlation of theoretical predictions with experimental observations.
Main Results:
- Faceting requires matching chiral angles of adjacent nanotube layers.
- Achiral MWNTs exhibit axial facets above a critical diameter, with facet numbers related to interlayer unit cell differences.
- Helical facets appear with small interlayer chiral angle mismatch, while uncorrelated chiralities lead to Moiré-induced corrugation.
- Boron nitride nanotubes show higher faceting incidence than carbon nanotubes.
Conclusions:
- Interlayer registry patterns are fundamental to understanding MWNT faceting.
- The study provides a unified explanation for observed faceting behaviors across different nanotube types.
- The findings offer insights into tailoring nanotube properties for specific applications.
