Metal atoms in carbon nanotubes and related nanoparticles

The paper reviews the present state of research in the field of metal-carbon nanocomposites and the interaction of metal atoms with graphitic structures. Metal crystals can be encapsulated within graphitic shells of cylindrical, spherical, or other geometry. Various chemical and physical production methods to generate metal containing carbon nanotubes and possible microscopic formation mechanisms are presented. In this context, the role of metals as catalysts in the formation of single-walled carbon nanotubes is discussed. The interaction of metal atoms with the graphitic lattice is of particular interest. In situ electron microscopy is used to study the behaviour of individual metal atoms in a graphitic lattice. Furthermore, novel nanostructures can be generated under electron irradiation. Finally, an overview of theoretical studies using molecular dynamics and tight binding calculations of the carbon-metal interaction is given.