In situ chemical experiments in carbon nanotubes

Understanding the interaction of water-based liquids with carbon at the nanoscale is very important for exploring the potential of carbon nanotubes in nanofluidic chips, probes, and capsules for drug delivery. By using hydrothermal synthesis, we produced closed hydrophilic multiwall carbon nanotubes filled with aqueous fluid. They allow for the first time high-resolution in situ studies of an interface between fluid and carbon in TEM. Strong interaction between the liquid and walls, intercalation of nanotubes with O–H species and dissolution of walls upon heating have been demonstrated. Thermodynamics simulation was used to explain the interaction of nanotubes with fluid.