Carbon nanostructures as an example of the self-organized criticality

The mechanism of self-organized criticality in the region of the nano- and microsizes has been studied experimentally using carbon multiwalled nanotubes and powder polycrystalline graphite as examples. A classical experiment on the formation of samples in the form of “sand heaps” has been described. The specific features of the experiment are the measurement of the electrical resistance of lateral layers at fixed tilt angles of the surface, on which the sample is formed, and the performance of the experiment in the pre-breakdown region of voltages. The observation of the power law for the dependence of the electrical resistance of the samples under study on the number of material portions has demonstrated the manifestation of the mechanism of the self-organized criticality.     

Carbon nanostructures grown with electron and ion beam methods

We present a comparative study where carbon nanostructures were prepared by electron and ion beam methods. Thin films of 10×10 μm² area were prepared and analysed by Raman analysis, nanoindentation, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The material formed is not soft and graphitic, but of intermediate hardness (6–13 GPa) and with Raman spectral features similar to those of hydrogenated amorphous carbon, although it contains a significant Ga content (up to 25 at. %). This study was used to form sharp AFM supertip structures which were used to image sintered ceramic samples and films of aligned carbon nanotubes. Compared to traditional Si tips, this gave an improved rendering of the sample’s aspect ratio although the resolution is limited by the diameter of the C supertips. PACS 81.05.Uw; 81.07.-b; 78.30.-j     

Nanotube bundle oscillators: Carbon and boron nitride nanostructures

In this paper, we investigate the oscillation of a fullerene that is moving within the centre of a bundle of nanotubes. In particular, certain fullerene–nanotube bundle oscillators, namely C₆₀-carbon nanotube bundle, C₆₀-boron nitride nanotube bundle, B₃₆N₃₆-carbon nanotube bundle and B₃₆N₃₆-boron nitride nanotube bundle are studied using the Lennard–Jones potential and the continuum approach which assumes a uniform distribution of atoms on the surface of each molecule. We address issues regarding the maximal suction energies of the fullerenes which lead to the generation of the maximum oscillation frequency. Since bundles are also found to comprise double-walled nanotubes, this paper also examines the oscillation of a fullerene inside a double-walled nanotube bundle. Our results show that the frequencies obtained for the oscillation within double-walled nanotube bundles are slightly higher compared to those of single-walled nanotube bundle oscillators. Our primary purpose here is to extend a number of established results for carbon to the boron nitride nanostructures.     

Carbon nanotubes and nanostructures grown from diamond-like carbon and polyethylene

We report a simple way to synthesize carbon nanotubes and nanostructures from the solid phase. Vacuum annealing of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films or polyethylene mixed with catalyst in argon atmosphere leads to the formation of nanotubes and nanostructures. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies reveal highly graphitized multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) or amorphous fibre-like structures, depending on the catalyst amount. This synthesis process may give a new approach to understanding the phase transition of different carbon allotropes into nanotubes or nanostructures. Received: 3 July 2001 / Accepted: 3 July 2001 / Published online: 2 October 2001     

Acoustic energy harvesting using an electromechanical Helmholtz resonator

This paper presents the development of an acoustic energy harvester using an electromechanical Helmholtz resonator (EMHR). The EMHR consists of an orifice, cavity, and a piezoelectric diaphragm. Acoustic energy is converted to mechanical energy when sound incident on the orifice generates an oscillatory pressure in the cavity, which in turns causes the vibration of the diaphragm. The conversion of acoustic energy to electrical energy is achieved via piezoelectric transduction in the diaphragm of the EMHR. Moreover, the diaphragm is coupled with energy reclamation circuitry to increase the efficiency of the energy conversion. Lumped element modeling of the EMHR is used to provide physical insight into the coupled energy domain dynamics governing the energy reclamation process. The feasibility of acoustic energy reclamation using an EMHR is demonstrated in a plane wave tube for two power converter topologies. The first is comprised of only a rectifier, and the second uses a rectifier connected to a flyback converter to improve load matching. Experimental results indicate that approximately 30 mW of output power is harvested for an incident sound pressure level of 160 dB with a flyback converter. Such power level is sufficient to power a variety of low power electronic devices.     

Dynamics for an electromechanical integrated electrostatic harmonic drive

In this paper, an electromechanically coupled dynamic equation for an integrated electrostatic harmonic drive is presented. The dynamic equation is transformed into a balance equation for static displacement and a dynamic equation for dynamic displacement. The electromechanical-coupled force is considered as well. The operating principle for the drive system is analyzed. By defining the electromechanically coupled forces in Fourier series form, the static displacements of the ring are obtained. Changes in the voltage, along with ring displacement, are discussed. Using the same dynamic equation, the natural frequencies and mode functions of the drive system are given for a different electric field. The first natural frequency is influenced by the phase number of the electric field, but not by the pole pair number. Similarly, the second, third, and fourth natural frequencies are influenced both by pole pair number and by phase number. As radial displacement of the ring increases, the voltage will arrive at an extreme value where the flexible ring becomes buckled. For modes having higher natural frequencies, more positions of the dynamic peak displacements occur, and the time periods of the mode functions become shorter. Also, the pole pair number and phase number of the electric field exhibit an obvious influence on the positions of the dynamic peak displacements and time periods of the mode functions.     

Hardening nanostructures in an AlZnMg alloy

The formation of nanoscale and sub-nanoscale solute aggregates (clusters, Guinier–Preston zones and precipitates) in an AlZnMg alloy (Al–2.1 at.% Zn–1.5 at.% Mg) has been followed by a combination of experimental techniques with the aim of correlating the properties of the aggregates with their thermal history. The choice of thermal treatments was guided by the results of mechanical and calorimetric characterizations, supported by transmission electron microscopy for the identification of the morphology of the aggregates. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (using two variants of this technique, coincidence Doppler broadening and lifetime spectroscopy) was adopted for determining the local chemistry in the proximity of open volume defects. The geometrical parameters of the distribution (size, volume fraction, numerical density of the solute aggregates) were obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering. The results of the investigation provide new information regarding: two families of vacancy-rich clusters formed during or immediately after quenching; Guinier–Preston zones formed at 95°C after room-temperature pre-ageing; growth of η′ and?η?phases at 150°C; solute clusters formed at room-temperature in conditions of secondary ageing after preliminary heating at 150°C.     

Carbon nanostructures in the industrial production of alkali metals by electrolysis

The carboniferous component of slimes in the electrolytic production of alkali metals (in our case, lithium) is studied for the first time with the aim to find nanostructures in it. The content of nanostructures in this component, which accounts for 10% of the slimes and can be separated by mild chemical treatment, is shown to be 2–4%. These structures are multiwall nanotubes or bundles of multiwall nanotubes, most of which are open. No twisted or single-wall nanotubes have been detected.     

Self-oscillations in an electromechanical system with a field emitter

Electromechanical oscillations have been detected in a system consisting of a vacuum diode with a field cathode made of single-walled carbon nanotubes. As a dc voltage between such a cathode and an anode is applied, stable mechanical oscillations are observed along with oscillations of the self-sustained emission current. An empirical model of this phenomenon is proposed. It is described with a system of one-dimensional equations of mechanical motion and electrical processes in the system. An analysis of these equations is performed and a qualitative consistency of theoretical and experimental results is demonstrated. It is proved that the observed phenomenon is common for all systems with field nanoemitters. The suggested mechanism of the excitation of the self-sustained oscillations can be used to explain the experimentally observed features of such nanoemitters.     

Carbon sphere as a black pigment for an electronic paper

Carbon black, a black material popular for use in electronic paper, could limit the performance of the electronic paper due to its non-uniform structure. Carbon spheres, with spherical shape and relatively narrow size distribution, are expected to overcome this limitation and substitute for carbon black in the electronic paper. Carbon spheres were synthesized through a hydrothermal reaction using glucose as a raw material. By controlling reaction time and glucose concentration, appropriate non-agglomerated carbon spheres with an average diameter of 202.26 (±26.15) nm were fabricated. To increase their dispersibility in dielectric fluid, p-(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) was grafted onto the surface of the carbon spheres. Then, acid and base charge control agents were mixed with the carbon spheres to produce a pigment with higher mobility in the dielectric fluid. The optimized combination of pigment, charge control agent and solvent reveals reasonably fast switching time of about 540 ms.     

Modified carbon nanostructures as materials for hydrogen storage

Within the framework of ab initio simulation, a number of modifications of well-known carbon nanostructures are proposed, which could form the basis for designing materials with high adsorptivity for molecular hydrogen.     

Cherenkov effect as a probe of photonic nanostructures

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) is shown to be an excellent source of information both on photonic crystal bands and on radiation modes of complex nanostructures. Good agreement is reported between measurements and parameter-free calculations of EELS in porous alumina films, where Cherenkov radiation is scattered by the pores to yield a strong 8.3-eV (7-eV) feature for 120-keV (200-keV) electrons. The latter is related to the bands of two-dimensional photonic crystals formed by air cylinders in an alumina matrix with similar near-range ordering. Finally, the band structure is proved to be directly mapped by angle-resolved EELS.     

A quantum electromechanical device: the electromechanical single-electron pillar

A new nanoelectromechanical device is introduced, useful for quantum electromechanics. The focus will be on single-electron transistors with a mechanical degree of freedom. The technical approach as well as the experimental realization of a new vertical mechanical single-electron tunneling device are discussed. This transistor is fabricated in a semiconductor material, forming a nanopillar between source and drain contacts. This concept can readily be transferred to large scale fabrication, being of importance for building integrated sensors and amplifier stages for quantum electromechanical circuits. Operation of the device at room temperature in the frequency range of 350–400 MHz is presented. A straightforward theoretical model of device operation is given.     

Carbon nanostructures produced by pyrolysis under high pressure inside a nanosize silica matrix

In this work, the pyrolysis under high pressure of hydrocarbons dispersed inside a nanosized silica matrix (Aerosil) was investigated. The samples consisted of hydrophobic nanometric silica powder terminated by methyl groups with carbon contents ranging from 0.7 to 4 wt%. The pyrolysis was carried out in the temperature range from 1000 to 1600 °C under high pressure (1.25 up to 7.7 GPa) to keep the two‐dimensional distribution of carbon atoms originally at the silica grain boundaries. Evidences from Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy suggested that the resulting carbon nanostructures were actually graphene‐like nanoflakes. The size of the nanostructures calculated from the I_D/I_G ratio increased from 6 to 30 nm for processing temperatures increasing from 1000 to 1600 °C under pressure, respectively. The results revealed that the very good dispersion of the methyl groups inside the nanosize silica matrix, and the confinement under high pressure during the pyrolysis, played both a relevant role in the resulting carbon nanostructures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three-coupled-quantum-well nanostructures as a source of far-infrared entangled light

A scheme is proposed to achieve the two-mode entanglement in an asymmetric semiconductor three-coupled-quantum-well (TCQW) system based on the intersubband transitions (ISBTs). In the present scheme, the TCQW structure is trapped into a doubly resonant cavity, and the required quantum coherence effects is induced by the corresponding ISBTs, which is the key of realising entanglement. By numerically simulating the dynamics of the system, we show that the entangled cavity modes with the far-infrared wavelengh can be realised in this TCQW system. The present research provides an efficient approach to achieve far-infrared entangled light in the semiconductor nanostructures, which may have significant impact on the progress of solid-state quantum information theory.     

Polyaniline nanostructures expedient as working electrode materials in supercapacitors

Granular type polyaniline (PANi), PANi nanofibers (NFs), and PANi nanotubes (NTs) expedient as working electrode materials for supercapacitors are synthesized. The synthesis procedure used in this work facilitates not only the synthesis of solid powders of the PANi nanostructures, but also thin films constituted by the same PANi nanostructures in the same experiment. PANi NFs are found to exhibit faster electrode kinetics and better capacitance when compared to PANi NTs and granular PANi. Specific capacitance and energy storage per unit mass of PANi NFs are 239.47 Fg^?1 (at 0.5 Ag^?1) and 43.2 Wh?kg^?1, respectively. Electrical conductivity of PANi NFs is also better when compared to the other two nanostructures. Properties of the three PANi nanostructures are explicated in correlation with crystallinity, intrinsic oxidation state, doping degree, BET surface area, and ordered mesoporosity pertaining to the nanostructures.     

Carbon nanostructures synthesized by arc discharge between carbon and iron electrodes in liquid nitrogen

An idea of using pure iron and graphite electrodes was employed for synthesizing carbon nanoparticles by arc discharge in liquid nitrogen. The synthesized products consist of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MW–CNT), carbon nanohorns (CNH), and carbon nanocapsules (CNC) with core–shell structure. Effect of metallic cathode and discharge current on product structure and yield had been experimentally investigated. Typical evidence of transmission electron microscopic images revealed that under some certain conditions of discharge in liquid nitrogen the synthesized products mainly consisted of CNCs with mean diameter of 50–400 nm. When conventional graphitic electrodes were employed, CNHs with some MW–CNTs were mainly synthesized. Meanwhile, MW–CNTs with diameter of 8–25 nm and length 150–250 nm became less selectively synthesized as cathode deposit under the condition of discharge in liquid nitrogen with higher arc current. The production yield of carbon nanoparticles synthesized by either carbon–carbon or carbon–iron electrodes became also lower with an increase in the arc current.     

Magnetic nanostructures as amplifiers of transverse fields in magnetic resonance

We introduce the concept of amplifying the transverse magnetic fields produced and/or detected with inductive coils in magnetic resonance settings by using the reversible transverse susceptibility properties of magnetic nanostructures. First, we describe the theoretical formalism of magnetic flux amplification through the coil in the presence of a large perpendicular DC magnetic field (typical of magnetic resonance systems) achieved through the singularity in the reversible transverse susceptibility in anisotropic single domain magnetic nanoparticles. We experimentally demonstrate the concept of transverse magnetic flux amplification in an inductive coil system using oriented nanoparticles with uni-axial magnetic anisotropy. We also propose a composite ferromagnetic/anti-ferromagnetic core/shell nanostructure system with uni-directional magnetic anisotropy that, in principle, provides maximal transverse magnetic flux amplification.     

Nanowire-based electromechanical biomimetic sensor

We propose the development of a basic module for a novel nanowire-based nanoelectromechanical device, which will require the mechanical coupling of nanowires to an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure containing a polarization-induced 2D electron gas. The deflection of freestanding nanowires in a streaming liquid causes an additional strain in the AlGaN barrier which leads to a change in the resistance of the 2D electron gas. The basic structure, underlying theoretical considerations and first steps towards the realization of this new sensor concept are presented.