Theoretical Insights into Chirality‐Controlled SWCNT Growth from a Cycloparaphenylene Template

A self‐assembly mechanism for low‐temperature SWCNT growth from a [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]CPP) precursor via ethynyl (C₂H) radical addition is presented, based on non‐equilibrium quantum chemical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This mechanism, which maintains the (6,6) armchair chirality of a SWCNT fragment throughout the growth process, is energetically more favorable than a previously proposed Diels–Alder‐based growth mechanisms [E. H. Fort, et al., J. Mater. Chem. 2011 , 21, 1373]. QM/MD simulations and DFT calculations show that C₂H radicals play dual roles during SWCNT growth, by abstracting hydrogen from the SWCNT fragment and providing the carbon source necessary for growth itself. Simulations demonstrate that chirality‐controlled SWCNT growth from macrocyclic hydrocarbon seed molecules with pre‐selected edge structure can be accomplished when the reaction conditions are carefully selected for hydrogen abstraction by radical species during the growth process.     

First-principles calculation on the conductance of a single 1,4-diisocyanatobenzene molecule with single-walled carbon nanotubes as the electrodes

The conductance of a single 1,4-diisocyanatobenzene molecule sandwiched between two single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrodes are studied using a fully self-consistent ab initio approach which combines nonequilibrium Green's function formalism with density functional theory calculations. Several metallic zigzag and armchair SWCNTs with different diameters are used as electrodes; dangling bonds at their open ends are terminated with hydrogen atoms. Within the energy range of a few eV of the Fermi energy, all the SWCNT electrodes couple strongly only with the frontier molecular orbitals that are related to nonlocal pi bonds. Although the chirality of SWCNT electrodes has significant influences on this coupling and thus the molecular conductance, the diameter of electrodes, the distance, and the torsion angle between electrodes have only minor influences on the conductance, showing the advantage of using SWCNTs as the electrodes for molecular electronic devices.     

Nanocatalyst structure as a template to define chirality of nascent single-walled carbon nanotubes

Chirality is a crucial factor in a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) because it determines its optical and electronic properties. A chiral angle spanning from 0° to 30° results from twisting of the graphene sheet conforming the nanotube wall and is equivalently expressed by chiral indexes (n,m). However, lack of chirality control during SWCNT synthesis is an obstacle for a widespread use of these materials. Here we use first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to propose and illustrate basic concepts supporting that the nanocatalyst structure may act as a template to control the chirality during nanotube synthesis. DFT optimizations of metal cluster (Co and Cu)∕cap systems for caps of various chiralities are used to show that an inverse template effect from the nascent carbon nanostructure over the catalyst may exist in floating catalysts; such effect determines a negligible chirality control. Classical MD simulations are used to investigate the influence of a strongly interacting substrate on the structure of a metal nanocatalyst and illustrate how such interaction may help preserve catalyst crystallinity. Finally, DFT optimizations of carbon structures on stepped (211) and (321) cobalt surfaces are used to demonstrate the template effect imparted by the nanocatalyst surface on the growing carbon structure at early stages of nucleation. It is found that depending on the step structure and type of building block (short chains, single atoms, or hexagonal rings), thermodynamics favor armchair or zigzag termination, which provides guidelines for a chirality controlled process based on tuning the catalyst structure and the type of precursor gas.     

Localized Gaussian type orbital-periodic boundary condition-density functional theory study of infinite-length single-walled carbon nanotubes with various tubular diameters

The detailed geometrical structures of zigzag and armchair type single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with infinite tubular length were investigated using localized Gaussian type orbital-periodic boundary condition-density functional theory (LGTO-PBC-DFT) method. The structures of (n, 0) zigzag SWCNTs were optimized for n = 5-21, (n, n) armchair SWCNTs for n = 3-12. For comparison, the optimized geometry of a two-dimensional graphite sheet was also calculated. It was found that the optimized structures of the SWCNTs showed two C-C bond lengths that decrease with an increase in the tubular diameter. More specifically, the two bond lengths converged with those found in the two-dimensional graphite sheet. We also found a degeneracy in the highest occupied crystal orbitals if identical bond lengths were employed for the zigzag SWCNTs and the two-dimensional graphite sheet. This implies that the two different bond lengths found in the zigzag SWCNTs and the two-dimensional graphite sheet are probably due to the Jahn-Teller effect. The armchair SWCNTs show two slightly different bond lengths if the diameter is less than 12 A; otherwise they are almost identical, approaching the longer bond length of the two-dimensional graphite sheet. This can be due to the fact that the armchair SWCNTs do not have degeneracy in occupied crystal orbitals for identical C-C bond lengths. The crossing point of the conducting and valence bands of each armchair SWCNT were also calculated and show a diameter dependence in which the deviation from 2pi/3a decreases as diameter increases.     

A comparison of the effect of nanotube chirality and electronic properties on the π–π interaction of single‐wall carbon nanotubes with pyrazinamide antitubercular drug

Theoretical investigation on local electronic structure and stability of the π–π stacking interaction of pyrazinamide (PZA) with armchair (5,5) and zigzag (9,0) single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is performed using density functional theory (DFT). PZA is physisorbed onto nanotube sidewall through interaction of π orbitals of PZA and SWCNT and the enhanced structural stability of PZA/SWCNT systems is due to weak side‐on rather than the head‐on π‐interactions. The physisorption of PZA onto SWCNT sidewall is thermodynamically favored; as a consequence, it modulates the electronic properties of pristine nanotube in the vicinity of Fermi region and π–π stacked interactions is stronger in (9,0) SWCNT compared to (5,5) SWCNT. The density of states (DOS) analysis show that PZA contributes toward the enhancement of electronic states. Projected DOS and frontier orbital analysis in the vicinity of Fermi level region suggest the electronic states to be contributed from SWCNT rather than PZA. In addition, hybrid DFT calculation which includes the dispersion correction is employed to explain the non‐covalent π–π stacking interaction between PZA and SWCNT. The local density approximation and GGA results are compared with DFT‐D to explain near about accurately the weak nonbonded van der Waals interactions between PZA and SWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on the structure and function of human serum albumin (HSA): Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies

Here, the interaction of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and human serum albumin (HSA) as one of the most important proteins for carrying and binding of drugs was investigated and the impact of radius to volume ratio and chirality of the SWCNTs was evaluated using molecular docking method. Molecular docking results represented that zigzag SWCNT with radius to volume ratio equal to 6.77 × 10^?3 Å^?2 has the most negative binding energy (?17.16 kcal mol^?1) and binds to the HSA cleft by four π–cation interactions. To study the changes of HSA structure, the complex of HSA–SWCNT was subjected to 30 ns molecular dynamics simulation. The MD results showed that HSA was compressed about 2% after interaction with SWCNT. The equilibrated structure of HSA–SWCNT complex was used to compare the binding of warfarin to HSA in the absence and presence of SWCNT. The obtained results represent that warfarin-binding site was changed in the presence of SWCNT and its binding energy was increased. Really, warfarin was bound on the surface of SWCNT instead of its binding site on HSA. It means that HSA function as a carrier for warfarin is altered, the free concentration of warfarin is changed, and its release is decreased in the presence of SWCNT.     

一维碳纳米管/二维二硫化钼混合维度异质结的原位制备及其电荷转移性能

一维(1D)材料与二维(2D)材料的结合可形成独特的混合维度异质结,其在继承2D/2D范德瓦尔斯异质结的独特物性之外,还具有丰富的堆叠构型,为进一步调控异质结的结构及性能提供了新的可操控自由度。p型1D单壁碳纳米管(SWCNT)与n型2D二硫化钼(MoS₂)的结合,为调控异质结的能带结构及器件性能提供了丰富的选择。本文直接在高密度、手性窄分布的SWCNT定向阵列及无序薄膜表面原位生长MoS₂,制备出高质量1D SWCNT/2D MoS₂混合维度异质结。深入分析形核点的表面形貌与结构,提出了“吸附-扩散-吸附”生长机制,用于解释混合维度异质结的生长。利用拉曼光谱分析,证实SWCNT与MoS₂间存在显著的电荷转移作用,载流子可在界面处快速传输,为后续基于此类1D/2D异质结的新型电子及光电器件的设计与制备提供了新思路。     

Modification of the electronic properties of zigzag (n = 5–10) and armchair (n = 3, 5) carbon nanotubes by K atom adsorption

The adsorption of the potassium atom onto the surface of (n,0) zigzag nanotube (n = 5–10) and (n,n) armchair nanotubes (n = 3, 5) has been studied by density functional theory. The local density approximation calculation of adsorption energy (E _ads) emphasized on the dependency of E _ads to the diameter and chirality of the nanotube. E _ads decreases when the diameter increases. So the (5,0)-K system has the highest adsorption energy among all structures. Furthermore, a significant change was observed in the electronic properties of potassium-adsorbed single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and the metallic behavior of the nanotube improved. Therefore, our results showed that such modified SWCNTs can be applied in nanodevices such as transistors.     

Theoretical study on the electronic structure nature of single and double walled carbon nanotubes and its role on the electron transport

Density functional theory and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations were used to evaluate electronic structure properties in a series of nanotubes with smallest possible diameters (both types: armchair and zigzag), and the corresponding chiral nanotubes (8,m) for 0 ≤ m ≤ 8. The calculations were performed considering a length of 16.5 Å. We evaluated a set of 26 combinations of dual nanotubes (armchair/armchair, zigzag/zigzag, armchair/zigzag, and zigzag/armchair), where the first label corresponds to the outer tube. We extended our study with nine additional systems of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNT) with semiconductor nature. In this regard, we gave insight into the semiconductive or metallic nature inherited to the dual tubes. DWCNT systems were possible to construct by maintaining a radial distance of 3.392 Å for the armchair/armchair arrangement and 3.526 Å for the zigzag/zigzag type. It was considered as a reference, the interplanar distance of graphite (3.350 Å). Electronic transport calculations were also performed on selected DWCNT systems in order to understand the role played by the different symmetries under study. It was evidenced that the electronic structure nature of the systems rules the ability to transport electrons through the DWCNT interface.     

A New,Simple and Versatile Strategy for the Synthesis of Short Segments of Zigzag‐Type Carbon Nanotubes

Short segments of zigzag single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were obtained from a calixarene scaffold by using a completely new, simple and expedited strategy that allowed fine‐tuning of their diameters. This new approach also allows for functionalised short segments of zigzag SWCNTs to be obtained; a prerequisite towards their lengthening. These new SWCNT short segments/calixarene composites show interesting behaviour in solution. DFT analysis of these new compounds also suggests interesting photophysical behaviour. Along with the synthesis of various SWCNTs segments, this approach also constitutes a powerful tool for the construction of new, radially oriented π systems.     

Tuning chirality of single-wall carbon nanotubes by selective etching with carbon dioxide

CO2 molecule chemisorbs selectively on the zigzag tube edge without an activation barrier, whereas it physisorbs on the armchair edge of nanotubes. In addition, carbon nanotubes can be etched by an adsorbed oxygen atom of CO2 molecule. From our results, we suggest a selective etching mechanism for tuning the chirality of the mass-produced carbon nanotubes.     

Chemical reaction of nitric oxides with the 5-1DB defect of the single-walled carbon nanotube

In this work, we applied a two-layered ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31G(d):UFF) method to study the reaction of nitric oxides with a 5-1DB defect on the sidewall of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). We have chosen a suitable ONIOM model for the calculation of the SWCNT based on the analyses of the frontier molecular orbitals, local density of states, and natural bond orbitals. Our calculations clearly indicate that the 5-1DB defect is the chemically active center of the SWCNT. In the reaction of nitric oxides with the defected SWCNT, the 5-1DB defect site can capture a nitrogen atom from nitric oxides, yielding the N-substitutionally doped SWCNT. We have explored the reaction pathway in detail. Our work verifies the chemical reactivity of the 5-1DB defects of the SWCNTs, indicates that the 5-1DB defect is a possible site for the functionalization of the SWCNTs, and demonstrates a possible way to fabricate position controllable substitutionally doped SWCNTs with a low doping concentration under mild conditions via some simple chemical reactions.     

Nerve agents interacting with single wall carbon nanotubes: Density functional calculations

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) method are used to investigate the adsorption properties of nerve agent DMMP on typical zigzag (semiconducting) and armchair (metallic) single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The adsorption energies for DMMP molecule on different adsorption sites on SWCNTs are obtained. The results indicate that DMMP is weakly bound to the outer surface of both the considered SWCNTs and the obtained adsorption energy values and binding distances are typical for the physisorption. We find that DMMP adsorptive capability of metallic CNTs is about twofold that of semiconducting one. The adsorption of DMMP on the higher chiral angle nanotubes was also investigated and the results indicate that nanotube’s chirality increases the adsorption capability of the tube but however the adsorption characteristic is typical for the physisorption. Furthermore, co-adsorption of two DMMP molecules on the SWCNTs as a single-layer/bi-layer of adsorbed molecules as well as the adsorption of one DMMP molecule on the CNT bundles consisting of three SWCNTs has also been examined. The obtained results reveal that for both the considered systems the binding energy was increased for the DMMP adsorption but it’s still typical for the physisorption, consistent with the recent experimental result. The study of the electronic structures and charge analysis indicate that no significant hybridization between the respective orbital takes place and the small interaction obtained quantitatively in terms of binding energies.     

Changes in single-walled carbon nanotube chirality during growth and regrowth

A simple model for joining two single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with different, arbitrary chiralities is used to systematically label junction structures which contain pentagon-heptagon pairs. The model is also used, together with density functional theory, to study the energetics of diameter and chirality changes of thin SWNTs during catalyzed growth or regrowth. We choose zigzag and armchair SWNTs attached to a Ni(55) cluster for our case studies.     

Molecular perspective on diazonium adsorption for controllable functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous surfactant solutions

Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using diazonium salts allows modification of their optical and electronic properties for a variety of applications, ranging from drug-delivery vehicles to molecular sensors. However, control of the functionalization process remains a challenge, requiring molecular-level understanding of the adsorption of diazonium ions onto heterogeneous, charge-mobile SWCNT surfaces, which are typically decorated with surfactants. In this paper, we combine molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, experiments, and equilibrium reaction modeling to understand and model the extent of diazonium functionalization of SWCNTs coated with various surfactants (sodium cholate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide). We show that the free energy of diazonium adsorption, determined using simulations, can be used to rank surfactants in terms of the extent of functionalization attained following their adsorption on the nanotube surface. The difference in binding affinities between linear and rigid surfactants is attributed to the synergistic binding of the diazonium ion to the local "hot/cold spots" formed by the charged surfactant heads. A combined simulation-modeling framework is developed to provide guidance for controlling the various sensitive experimental conditions needed to achieve the desired extent of SWCNT functionalization.     

First-principles study of a new type nanojunction: Finite length carbon chain inserted into half of a carbon nanotube

Based on first-principles calculations, we investigate the structure and electronic properties of a carbon atomic chain in finite length inserted into half of a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), which we called half chain@SWCNT or more generally HCS. Comparing the optimized structure of HCS with that of the same chiral indices SWCNT and all carbon chain inserted SWCNT, we find that the geometry of the tube in HCS is slightly altered due to the weakly interacting between the inserted chain and the outer tube wall of HCS. Our calculation of band structure indicates that the armchair (5, 5) HCS exhibits metallic character, which is as that of (5, 5) SWCNT and all carbon chain inserted (5, 5) SWCNT. The zigzag (8, 0) and (9, 0) HCSs have small change in the energy gap compared to the corresponding pristine ones. Due to the downshift of conduction bands originating from the carbon chain, the calculation of band structure shows that chiral (6, 4) HCS is a semiconductor system with a small band gap of 0.94 eV, less than 1.125 eV in pristine SWCNT. The studied HCSs with unique structure and electronic property may construct a new generation nanoscale junctions without the usual heptagon–pentagon defect pair considerations.     

Atomistic simulation of the growth of defect-free carbon nanotubes

Atomistic simulation of defect-free single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) growth is essential for the insightful understanding of the SWCNT''s growth mechanism. Despite the extensive effort paid in the past two decades, the goal has not been completely achieved, due to the huge timescale discrepancy between atomistic simulation and the experimental synthesis of SWCNTs, as well as the lack of an accurate classical potential energy surface for large scale simulation. Here, we report atomistic simulations of defect-free SWCNT growth by using a new generation of carbon–metal potential and a hybrid method, in which a basin-hopping strategy is applied to facilitate the defect healing during the simulation. The simulations reveal a narrow diameter distribution and an even chiral angle distribution of the growth of SWCNTs from liquid catalyst, which is in agreement with most known experimental observations.     

Infrared spectroscopy of single-walled carbon nanotubes

By using the spectral moments method, we calculate the infrared spectra of chiral and achiral single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different diameters and lengths. We show that the number of the infrared modes, their frequencies, and intensities depend on the length and chirality of the nanotubes. Furthermore, the dependence of the infrared spectrum as a function of the size of the SWCNT bundle is analyzed. These predictions are useful to interpret the experimental infrared spectra of SWCNTs.