A Novel Carbon Nanotube Structure: Super Carbon Nanotubes

Based on the integral theorems for mean curvature and Gauss curvature, geometric conservation laws for perfect Y-branched carbon nanotubes are presented. From the conservation laws, simple geometric regulations observed by spontaneous Y-branched carbon nanotubes are revealed ,i.e. the angle between two neighbouring branches should be 120◦ and the radii of the three branches should be equal. These results coincide well with all experimental facts without exceptions. Possible applications of the geometric regulations to the design of super carbon nanotubes (SCNTs) with self-similarities are predicted. [1] 

The tensile deformations and fractures of SCNTs with are investigated by using the atomic-scale finite element method. SCNTs generated from carbon nanotubes with different characteristic aspect ratios are found to have different nonlinear behaviours under uniaxial tensions. Specifically, an SCNT with higher aspect ratio has three distinct stages: rotation, stretch and rupture, while an SCNT with lower aspect ratio has only two stages. This information may compensate for previous work and enrich our knowledge about Y-branched CNTs and SCNTs. This information may lay the foundations for further explorations to the properties of STs in the near future. [2,3] 

[1] Yajun Yin, Yuli Chen, Jie Yin and Kezhi Huang. Geometric Conservation Laws for Y-branched Carbon Nanotubes. Nanotechnology, 2006, 17: 1-5.

[2] Yuli Chen, Bin Liu, Yajun Yin, Yonggang Huang and Keh-Chih Hwang. Nonlinear Deformation Processes and Damage Modes of Super Carbon Nanotubes with Armchair-armchair Topology. Chinese Physics Letters, 2008, 25 (7): 2577-2580.

[3] Yuli Chen, Yajun Yin, Yonggang Huang and Keh-Chih Hwang. Atomistic Simulations of the Nonlinear Deformation and Damage modes of Super Carbon Nanotubes. Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, 2009, 6(1): 41-45.