The paper was published in J. Phys. Chem. C.
In a presented paper, we have identified a new type of one-dimensional nanomaterial called bilayer diamond-like nanoribbons. These nanoribbons can be synthesized by fluorinating single-wall carbon nanotubes, a process that involves attaching fluorine atoms to the nanotube structure. When zigzag or armchair nanotubes are functionalized with fluorine atoms, the carbon atoms change from sp2 to sp3 hybridization, causing the nanotube to collapse and form interlayer C-C bonding in a specific pattern. This process ultimately results in the formation of bilayer diamond nanoribbons, a new class of diamond-like ribbon and nanofiber structures.
Left: The process of collapsing a carbon nanotube into a bilayer diamond ribbon when exposed to fluorine. Right: unusual dependence of the band gap of a nanoribbon depending on its width and structure
The band gap of these nanoribbons is almost constant regardless of their width and depends on their morphology. However, nanoribbons containing an 8-membered ring exhibit special behavior, with electrons from the ring creating an additional band at the edge of the conduction band, which significantly reduces the band gap of the structure. This unique electronic property could make these nanoribbons useful in the development of advanced electronic devices and energy storage systems.
The mechanical stiffness of these nanoribbons is also high and comparable to that of graphene and carbon nanotubes. This robustness makes them ideal candidates for use in composites, where they could serve as a stiff and strong filler material. The high stiffness and unique electronic properties of bilayer diamond-like nanoribbons could also make them suitable for applications in nanomechanics and energy storage, such as in NEMS (Nanoelectromechanical Systems).
These findings could inspire further experimental and theoretical research into the formation of diamond-like nanoribbons from chiral carbon nanotubes. The discovery of bilayer diamond-like nanoribbons opens up a new world of possibilities for the development of advanced materials with unique electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. As researchers continue to explore and understand these novel nanomaterials, we can expect to see new and exciting applications in various fields, from electronics and energy storage to composites and nanomechanics.