Self-assembly growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes

The growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes through adduction of small carbon clusters is studied using a molecular-dynamics simulation method. The perfection of the tubes grown depends on the collisional direction, the growth temperature, and the cluster species involved. Narrow single-wall carbon nanotubes can grow without existence of catalysts under controlled conditions. C-2, colliding with the side wall of the tubes, can be assembled into the network forming localized defects during annealing. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.