Electron beam induced formation of carbon nanorods

Electron beam induced formation of carbon nanorods was realized in situ under high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). When a CVD deposited carbon nanotube sample was irradiated with an electron beam in an HRSEM, progressive etching of the sample, expanding of the nanotubes, and formation of additional nanorods have been observed. Transmission electron microscopy study revealed typical nanorods of 20 nm in diameter and with amorphous structure. The direct observation of the synthesis of nanorods under electron microscopy manifests the possibility of nano-machining of such nanomaterials using electron beams. This may lead to future integration and networking of nanostructures of different functionalities, which is crucial for nanotechnology. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.