A novel hybrid carbon material

Nat Nanotechnol. 2007 Mar;2(3):156-61. doi: 10.1038/nnano.2007.37. Epub 2007 Feb 25.

Abstract

Both fullerenes and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) exhibit many advantageous properties. Despite the similarities between these two forms of carbon, there have been very few attempts to physically merge them. We have discovered a novel hybrid material that combines fullerenes and SWNTs into a single structure in which the fullerenes are covalently bonded to the outer surface of the SWNTs. These fullerene-functionalized SWNTs, which we have termed NanoBuds, were selectively synthesized in two different one-step continuous methods, during which fullerenes were formed on iron-catalyst particles together with SWNTs during CO disproportionation. The field-emission characteristics of NanoBuds suggest that they may possess advantageous properties compared with single-walled nanotubes or fullerenes alone, or in their non-bonded configurations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Fullerenes / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Fullerenes
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Nanotubes, Carbon