Uniform curves for van der Waals interaction between single-wall carbon nanotubes

TL;DR

This paper presents simple algebraic expressions for van der Waals interactions between single-wall carbon nanotubes, providing uniform curves that depend only on dimensionless distance, aiding experimental analysis.

Contribution

It introduces explicit uniform curves for vdW potentials and forces between parallel and crossed nanotubes, based on Lennard-Jones and smeared out approximations, which is novel.

Findings

Different uniform curves for parallel and crossed nanotubes

Explicit functions for equilibrium distances and forces

Useful for analyzing experimental nanotube interactions

Abstract

We report very simple and accurate algebraic expressions for the van der Waals (vdW) potentials and the forces between two parallel and crossed carbon nanotubes. The Lennard-Jones potential for two carbon atoms and the method of the smeared out approximation suggested by L.A. Girifalco were used. It is found that interaction between parallel and crossed tubes are described by different uniform curves which depend only on dimensionless distance. The explicit functions for equilibrium vdW distances, well depths, and maximal attractive forces have been given. These results may be used as a guide for analysis of experimental data to investigate interaction between nanotubes of various natures.