Spectroscopic analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase imaging studies show self-assembly of phenosafranin (PSF) to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The shift in absorption spectra is associated with charge transfer of valence electrons from PSF to electron accepting sites on the MWNTs. The Raman-active disorder modes are used to fingerprint PSF attachment to MWNTs via defect state...

We examine electrical and coupled electromechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes using transport measurements performed in-situ inside a high resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). In one experiment, large electrical currents are passed through the nanotubes and the failure modes for nanotube "burnout" examined . In a second set of experiments, the electrical resistance ...

We report on a novel method for local control of shell engineering in multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using Joule-heating induced electric breakdown. By modulating the heat dissipation along a nanotube, we can confine its thinning and shell breakdown to occur within localized regions of peak temperatures, which are distributed over one-half of the NT length. The modulation is achieved by u...