In-Situ Observations of Microstructure Evolution in Electron-Irradiated Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

In-situ observations of microstructure evolution of the electron-irradiated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were carried out by using a high voltage electron microscope (HVEM). Electron irradiation at relatively low temperatures exhibited changes in the structure of the MWCNT, such as in the distance and ruggedness of walls. The MWCNT appeared to be stable during electron irradiation at relatively high temperatures probably due to a higher probability of recombination between knock-on atoms and vacancies in walls, meaning that composites developed with CNT could be stable and maintain high thermal conductivity during irradiation at high temperatures.