Formation of trans-polyacetylene from single-wall carbon nanotubes

We report the formation of trans-polyacetylene from single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The SWCNTs including metal catalysts were exposed to air with water vapor for a long time, and then irradiated with laser light. The formation of trans-polyacetylene in the irradiated SWCNTs was observed by means of Raman spectroscopy. The formation process can be related to the cutting of SWCNTs due to the catalytic hydrogenation by laser heating.