In situ observation of carbon-nanopi liar tubulization process

We observed the tubulization process of amorphous carbon nanopillars using an in situ transmission electron microscopy. Amorphous carbon nanopillars were grown by electron-beam-induced chemical vapor deposition on an iron-doped carbon foundation. Amorphous carbon nanopillars were transformed into graphitic tubules by annealing at about 650 degreesC in the presence of iron nanoparticles supplied from the iron-doped carbon foundation. A molten catalyst nanoparticle penetrated an amorphous carbon nanopillar, dissolving it and leaving a graphite track behind. This graphitic nanotube synthesis technique using nanofabrication promises to bring about a great advance in nanotube electronic devices. (C) 2004 American Vacuum Society.