Abstract
Aligned CNx(x<0.1) nanotubes have been generated by pyrolyzing ferrocene/C60 mixtures at 1050°C in an ammonia atmosphere. The structure and composition of the product were determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high spatial resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The CNx tubes (15-70 nm diameter, <50 μm length) grown in large flakes (<3 mm2) consist of a reduced number of "graphitic" layers (<15 on either side) arranged in a bamboo-like structure. Areas of high nitrogen concentration were found within curved or corrugated "graphite-like" domains. The observation of a well-developed double peak in the σ* feature of the N K-edge suggests that the material has not undergone the transition to the fullerene-like phase known for nitrogenated carbons. Incorporation of nitrogen from the gas phase (NH3) into CNx nanotubes therefore leads to improved and more efficient N substitution into the network as compared to the synthesis with solid nitrogen-containing precursors reported earlier.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1807-1809 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 18 2000 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)