Metal-filled carbon nanotubes for nanofluidic systems: Modes of melting and evaporation

Modes of melting and evaporation of metal at attogram level from individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are investigated experimentally using nanorobotic manipulation inside a transmission electron microscope. We compared the melting and evaporation induced by electric current, Joule heating, charge, and ionization. Experiments show that the most effective method is by positively ionizing the encapsulated metal, therefore, an electrostatic field can be used to guide the flow. Applications and potential applications of mass transport and deposition in nanofluidic systems have been presented including self-welding, actuation, and storage.