title: Two-dimensional coalescence dynamics of encapsulated metallofullerenes in carbon nanotubes.
abstract: We report on the coalescence of a two-dimensional (2D) chain of La@C(82) metallofullerene molecules encapsulated inside a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT). 2D packing of metallofullerenes is known to adopt a zigzag arrangement and cause elliptical distortion to the cross-section of the SWNT host. We show that after coalescence of the metallofullerenes into an inner nanotube the carbon nanotube host returns to its original circular cross-section. This is due to a relaxation of the strain caused by the packing of the encapsulated La@C(82) molecules into the nanotube. We identify the formation of some novel but transient fullerene-based structures formed during the intermediate stages of coalescence of the La@C(82) into an inner nanotube. These results highlight the flexible nature of SWNTs and their ability to adapt their cross-sectional profile depending upon forces induced by material encapsulated within.
authors: Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, United Kingdom. Christopher.allen@materials.ox.ac.uk
authors: Christopher S
authors: CS
authors: Allen
authors: Yasuhiro
authors: Y
authors: Ito
authors: Alex W
authors: AW
authors: Robertson
authors: Hisanori
authors: H
authors: Shinohara
authors: Jamie H
authors: JH
authors: Warner
mesh_terms: D055119:Elastic Modulus; D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D007811:Lanthanum / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D037741:Fullerenes; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008670:Metals; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D007811:Lanthanum