title: Atomic-scale in-situ observation of carbon nanotube growth from solid state iron carbide nanoparticles.
abstract: We have first observed the nucleation and growth process of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from iron carbide (Fe 3C) nanoparticles in chemical vapor deposition with C 2H 2 by in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy. Graphitic networks are formed on the fluctuating iron carbide nanoparticles, and subsequently CNTs are expelled from them. Our atomic scale observations suggest that carbon atoms diffuse through the bulk of iron carbide nanoparticles during the growth of CNTs.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikane-yama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideto
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Seiji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takeda
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Uchiyama
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kohno
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Homma