Structural transformations in single-wall carbon nanotubes under high pressure

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) under high pressure exhibit high structural stability and a series of structural transitions up to 35 GPa. As theoretically predicted, the irreversible transformation of SWNTs in the pressure range of 10–30 GPa can be attributed to the polymerization of nanotubes. The electrical conductivity of SWNTs is studied at high pressures up to 35 GPa using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) with electrically conductive anvils of the “rounded cone-plane” type made of synthetic carbonado-type diamonds. SWNTs are studied before and after the application of high pressure using the Raman confocal microscopy technique. Analysis of Raman spectra and pressure dependences of the SWNT resistance shows that the observed structural changes in SWNTs are reversible and no polymerization or collapse are observed.