Self-assembly growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes

The growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes through adduction of small carbon clusters is studied using a molecular-dynamics simulation method. The perfection of the tubes grown depends on the collisional direction, the growth temperature, and the cluster species involved. Narrow single-wall carbon nanotubes can grow without existence of catalysts under controlled conditions. C2, colliding with the side wall of the tubes, can be assembled into the network forming localized defects during annealing