Growth of compound single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are complement to each other in many of their physical properties. We report the synthesis of carbon nanotube cables-a form of compound single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes which could have the superior properties of both the SWCNTs and MWCNTs. This compound form of carbon nanotubes consists of a bundle of SWCNTs formed into a MWCNT, and the diameter of the inner most shell of the MWCNT ranges from a few to tens nanometers. The growth of these compound carbon nanotubes cannot be explained readily via existing modes of carbon nanotube growth, but promises a new way for improving and controlling the physical properties of either single- or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Stability of carbon nanotubes: how small can they be?

Experimental evidence has been found for the existence of small single wall carbon nanotubes with diameters of 0.5 and 0.33 nm by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and their mechanical stability was investigated using tight-binding molecular dynamics simulations. It is shown that, while the carbon tubes with diameters smaller than 0.4 nm are energetically less favorable than a graphene sheet, some of them are indeed mechanically stable at temperatures as high as 1100 degrees C. The 0.33 nm carbon tube observed is likely a (4, 0) tube and is indeed part of a compound nanotube system that forms perhaps the smallest metal-semiconductor-metal tubular junction yet synthesized.

(C70)2-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene complex films on electrodes catalyze the reduction of nitrite ions.

(C70)(2)-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene complex films on GC electrode surface showed two couples of redox reactions in mixed solvent of (1:1, v:v) acetonitrile and water containing tetra-butylammonium perchlorate. The electrocatalytic reduction for nitrite by these films was observed, indicating that (C70)(2)-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene is capable of mediating the electron transfer to nitrite.

Electrocatalysis of cytochrome c at a C(60)-gamma-cyclodextrin and Nafion chemically modified electrode.

The C(60)-gamma-cyclodextrin and Nafion chemically modified electrode exhibits two redox waves by cyclic voltammetry. Such an electrode will effect reduction and oxidation of cytochrome c and be capable of mediating the electron transfer to cytochrome c.