Structural change of carbon nanotubes produced by Si ion beam irradiation

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were irradiated by 40 keV Si ion beam with different doses. The structural change of the MWCNTs was revealed by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The structural characterization after irradiation shows that the formation of amorphous carbon nanowires proceeds through two periods, carbon nanotube – semi-solid amorphous carbon nanowire with hollow structure – solid amorphous carbon nanowire. Based on the interaction between energetic particles and carbon nanotubes, the structural transformation process and corresponding mechanisms are discussed. A model is presented to illustrate the structural change of carbon nanotubes with increased irradiation dose.