Abstract
Ultra-small single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are successfully fabricated in the channels of zeolite AlPO4-5 (AFI) single crystals by pyrolysis of tripropylamine molecules in the channels. These nanotubes have been observed directly by transmission electron microscopy, as well as by diffuse X-ray scattering and micro-Raman measurements of the nanotube breathing mode. The data consistently indicate a nanotube diameter of as small as 0.4 nm, probably at or close to the theoretical limit. These mono-sized small nanotubes perhaps constitute the best example of one-dimensional (1-D) quantum wires. They show novel electronic properties. Investigation of the magnetic and transport properties of single-walled small diameter carbon nanotubes embedded in a zeolite matrix revealed that at temperatures below 20 K, 0.4 nm tubes exhibit superconducting behavior manifest as an anisotropic Meissner effect, with a superconducting gap and fluctuation super-current. The measured superconducting characteristics display smooth temperature variations owing to 1-D fluctuations, with a mean field superconducting transition temperature of 15 K.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 689-693 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Synthetic Metals |
Volume | 133-134 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 13 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | ISCOM 2001 - Rusutsu, Hokkaido, Japan Duration: Sep 10 2001 → Sep 14 2001 |
Keywords
- Nanotubes
- SWNT
- Superconductivity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metals and Alloys
- Materials Chemistry