Metal nanoring and tube formation on carbon nanotubes

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles calculations to explore how aluminum forms nanorings and nanotubes on carbon nanotubes, revealing stable structures that can induce magnetic fields and alter electronic properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates the formation of stable aluminum nanorings and nanotubes on SWNTs and their potential to induce magnetic fields and change electronic behavior.

Findings

Aluminum tends to cluster due to strong Al-Al interactions.

Stable aluminum nanorings and nanotubes can form around SWNTs.

High magnetic fields can be generated by persistent currents in Al nanorings.

Abstract

The structural and electronic properties of aluminum covered single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are studied from first-principles for a large number of coverage. Aluminum-aluminum interaction that is stronger than aluminum-tube interaction, prevents uniform metal coverage, and hence gives rise to the clustering. However, a stable aluminum ring and aluminum nanotube with well defined patterns can also form around the semiconducting SWNT and lead to metallization. The persistent current in the Al nanoring is discussed to show that a high magnetic field can be induced at the center of SWNT.