Electron Energy-Loss Spectra of Single-Shell Carbon Nanotubes

TLDR

Strong curvature of graphitic sheets may cause broadening of transition peaks in single‑shell carbon nanotubes. The study measured transmission electron energy‑loss spectra of single‑shell carbon nanotubes and compared them with multishell nanotubes and graphite. The spectra revealed π and π+σ plasmon peaks at 5.8 eV and 20.6 eV, with the π plasmon energy intermediate between two multishell tube types and the π+σ plasmon lower by 2 eV and 6 eV than multishell tubes and graphite, and the 1s→π* and 1s→σ* transitions were markedly broader than in multishell tubes and graphite.

Abstract

Transmission electron energy-loss spectra of single-shell carbon nanotubes were measured and compared with those of multishell carbon nanotubes and graphite. Two peaks due to the π plasmon and the π+σ plasmon were observed at 5.8 eV and 20.6 eV, respectively. The energy of the π plasmon takes a value between those of two kinds of multishell tubes. The energy of the π+σ plasmon is lower than those of multishell tubes and graphite by 2 eV and 6 eV, respectively. The 1s→π * and 1s→σ * transition peaks of the single-shell tubes are much broader than those of the multishell tubes and graphite. The reason for the broadening may be due to the strong curving of the graphitic sheets.