Peas in a pod: quasi-one-dimensional C60 molecules in a nanotube

TL;DR

This paper investigates the thermodynamic properties of C60 molecules confined in small nanotubes, analyzing their phase behavior and interactions using classical and quantum models, including effects of long-range forces and inter-peapod coupling.

Contribution

It provides a detailed evaluation of the equation of state for quasi-1D C60 molecules in nanotubes, incorporating quantum, long-range, and inter-peapod interactions for the first time.

Findings

Calculated chemical potential and 1D pressure as functions of temperature and density.

Discussed quantum and long-range interaction corrections.

Analyzed effects of inter-peapod interactions and 3D coupling phenomena.

Abstract

We evaluate the equation of state of the quasi-one-dimensional (1D) phase of C60 molecules in small carbon nanotubes, nicknamed ``peas in a pod''. The chemical potential and 1D pressure are evaluated as functions of the temperature and density, initially with the approximation of nearest neighbor interactions and classical statistical mechanics. Quantum corrections and long-range interaction corrections are discussed, as are the effects of interactions with neighboring peapods. Transition phenomena involving the 3D coupling are evaluated.