Engineering Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Inside a Transmission Electron Microscope Using Nanorobotic Manipulation

Lixin Dong, Kaiyu Shou, Dominic R. Frutiger, Arunkumar Subramanian, Li Zhang, Bradley J. Nelson, Xinyong Tao, Xiaobin Zhang

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper provides a review of recent experimental techniques developed for shell engineering individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Basic processes for the nanorobotic manipulation of MWNTs inside a transmission electron microscope are investigated. MWNTs, bamboo-structured carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Cu-filled CNTs, and CNTs with quantum dots attached are used as test structures for manipulation. Picking is realized using van der Waals forces, "sticky" probes, electron-beam-induced deposition, and electric breakdown. Cap opening and shell shortening are presented using field emission current. Controlled peeling and thinning of the shells of MWNTs are achieved by electric breakdown, and changes in MWNT structures are correlated with electrical measurements. These processes are fundamental for the characterization of nanoscale materials, the structuring of nanosized building blocks, and the prototyping of nanoelectromechanical systems.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)508-517
JournalIEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology
Volume7
Issue number4
Online published30 May 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2008
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
  • Nanorobotic manipulation
  • Shell engineering
  • Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

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