Synthesis of Y-branching multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a bamboolike structure

Y-branching multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a bamboolike structure were grown by chemical vapor deposition from a C–H–N gas system when B₂O₃ and Ti was supplied. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that these novel junctions contain a tube branched into two tubes with nearly the same diameter. In addition, the tube walls show perpendicularly stacked graphite planes, which take on a bamboolike structure. The influence of preparation conditions on the structure of these carbon nanotubes is discussed. This novel structure may offer promising application for nanotube-based composites.