Dynamic nanocrystal response and high temperature growth of carbon nanotube–ferroelectric hybrid nanostructure

A long standing problem related to the capping of carbon nanotubes (CNT) by inorganic materials at high temperature has been solved. In situ dynamic response of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) nanocrystals attached to the wings of the outer surface of PZT/CNT hybrid-nanostructure has been demonstrated under a constant-energy high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) e-beam. PZT nanocrystals revealed that the crystal orientations, positions, faces, and hopping states change with time. HRTEM study has been performed to investigate the microstructure of hybrid nanostructures and nanosize polycrystal trapped across the wings. Raman spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the local structures, defects, crystal qualities and temperature dependent growth and degradation of hybrid nanostructures. Raman spectra indicate that MWCNT and PZT/MWCNT/n-Si possess good quality of CNT before and after PZT deposition until 650 °C. The monoclinic Cc/Cm phase of PZT which is optimum in piezoelectric properties was prominent in the hybrid structure and should be useful for device applications. An unusual hexagonal faceting oscillation of the nano-crystal perimeter on a 10-30 s period is also observed.