Facets of nanotube synthesis: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy study and density functional theory calculations

Abstract

We report the presence of catalytically active facets on iron nanocrystals during carbon nanotube synthesis. Using real-time in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, we observe the facets' formation and interaction with carbon feedstock and are able to infer carbon diffusion across the catalyst surface facilitating nanotube formation. The observations are supported by density functional theory calculations.