Electron irradiation induced dimensional change in bismuth filled carbon nanotubes Original Research Article

We have produced bismuth-filled carbon nanotubes by heating solid bismuth nanoparticles with single-walled carbon nanotubes. Most of the filled nanotubes are one-dimensional nanowires with high aspect ratios. Some of the nanotubes have a second layer formed during the filling process. We have also observed nanotube structure change due to atom loss upon electron irradiation. This effect may help us understand the filling mechanism.