Carbon nanotubes coated by carbon nanoparticles of turbostratic stacked graphenes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated by a high density of carbon nanoparticles of turbostratic graphene stacks have been fabricated by low energy hydrocarbon ion deposition at 700 degrees C. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy show that the carbon particles of turbostratic graphene stacks extend from the nanotube surface. The diameter of CNTs decreases with the increasing percentage of hydrogen in the gas phase. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the formation of carbon nanoparticles of turbostratic graphene stacks results from the high temperature used in the experiment. Meanwhile, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy indicate that the carbon nanoparticle degree of crystallinity is lower with increasing hydrogen content in the gas phase due to the etching effect of hydrogen ions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.