Abstract
Formation mechanism of nanotubes by single-step reaction of crystalline and NaOH has been investigated via transmission electron microscopy examinations of series specimens with different reaction times and extensive ab initio calculations. It was found that the growth mechanism includes several steps. Crystalline reacts with NaOH, forming a highly disordered phase, which recrystallized into some thin plates. H-deficiency on the top surface leads to an asymmetrical environment for the surface layer. The calculations of the surface tension, elastic strain energy, interlayer coupling energy, and Coulomb force indicated that the asymmetrical environment is the principal driving force of the cleavage of the single sheets of from the plates and the formation of the multiwall spiral nanotubes.
- Received 17 July 2003
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.256103
©2003 American Physical Society