Connecting carbon nanotubes using Sn.

Process of Sn coating on mutiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and formation of interconnections among nanotubes are studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Surface oxidation of nanotubes during heating with HNO3 prior to the SnCl2 treatment and the bonding between functional groups and Sn are found to be responsible for the coating and its stability. Open nanotubes are filled as well as coated during tin chloride treatment. Coating and filling are converted into the coatings on the inner as well as outer walls of the nanotubes during reduction with H2/N2. EDX studies show the formation of intermetallic compounds e.g., Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn at the joints between nanotubes. Formation of intermetallic compounds is supposed to be responsible for providing the required strength for bending and twisting of nanotubes joining of nanotubes. Paper presents a detailed mechanism of coating and filling processes, and interconnections among nanotubes.