Structure and energetics of carbon nanotube ropes

High-resolution electron microscopy observation and energetic analysis have been performed on ropes formed from single-walled carbon nanotubes. When individual nanotubes are twisted, the nanotube ropes become energetically stable-a configuration that also offers better structural stability. Electron microscopic image simulations of an energetically-stable rope composed of seven single-walled carbon nanotubes have been carried out as well to elaborate the salient features that were observed experimentally. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.