The structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes: AA' stacked graphene helices

TL;DR

This paper investigates the detailed structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, proposing that their formation involves AA' stacked graphene helices rather than disordered stacking.

Contribution

It introduces a new structural model for multi-wall carbon nanotubes based on ordered AA' stacking of graphene helices, challenging previous disordered stacking assumptions.

Findings

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes exhibit AA' stacked graphene helix structures.

Ordered stacking models better explain nanotube properties than disordered models.

The proposed structure provides insights into nanotube formation and stability.

Abstract

The structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been attributed previously to disordered stacking of the graphene planes.