A molecular quantum wire of linear carbon chains encapsulated within single-walled carbon nanotube (Cn@SWNT)

Abstract

Pure sp-hybridized linear carbon chains possess unique physical properties of one-dimensional (1D) system. However, linear carbon chains are highly unstable and require to be stabilized within a matrix for direct experimental studies. Here we report a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method to encapsulate and stabilize linear carbon chains (Cn) within vertically aligned SWNTs to form a sp-sp2 hybrid system (Cn@SWNT). Intense Raman signals at ∼1760-1860 cm-1 (L bands) indicate the presence of linear carbon chains within SWNTs. Electron transport of C n@SWNT bundle exhibits Luttinger-liquid behavior. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.