Growth of amorphous carbon nanotube from poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and ferrous chloride

The formation process of an amorphous carbon nanotube (alpha-CNT) from poly-(tetrafluoroethylene) using ferrous chloride was investigated by observing the TEM images of the isolated intermediates and conducting in situ TEM observation of its formation. These observations revealed unique features of the nanotube growth process through a series of steps; the growth of the core whisker, the deposition of amorphous carbon fragments onto the core whisker, and the disappearance of the core whisker, leaving the a-CNT. Such a unique process suggests a new method of controlling the carbon nano structure through the deposition of carbon over the core whisker template. The stable fluoride form of the core whisker is a key to preparing the amorphous carbon wall on its surface. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.