Size effect of X-shaped carbon nanotube junctions

Systematic calculations have been performed for X-shaped junctions formed between two crossed identical carbon nanotubes (armchair or zigzag tubes) with diameters ranging from 3.92 angstrom to 9.49 angstrom using an empirical potential method. The formation energy of X junctions is found to be a function of the diameter of the tubes. The formation temperature is dependent on the curvature of tubes. The calculations show that it is energetically favorable to form X junctions by the direct heating method if the tube diameter is less than 0.85 nm. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.