Soon after the discovery of carbon nanotubes, it was realized that the theoretically predicted mechanical properties of these interesting structures–including high strength, high stiffness, low density and structural perfection–could make them ideal for a wealth of technological applications. The experimental verification, and in some cases refutation, of these predictions, along with a number of computer simulation methods applied to their modeling, has led over the past decade to an improved but by no means complete understanding of the mechanics of carbon nanotubes. We review the theoretical predictions and discuss the experimental techniques that are most often used for the challenging tasks of visualizing and manipulating these tiny structures. We also outline the computational approaches that have been taken, including ab initio quantum mechanical simulations, classical molecular dynamics, and continuum models. The development of multiscale and multiphysics models and simulation tools naturally arises as a result of the link between basic scientific research and engineering application; while this issue is still under intensive study, we present here some of the approaches to this topic. Our concentration throughout is on the exploration of mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, bending stiffness, buckling criteria, and tensile and compressive strengths. Finally, we discuss several examples of exciting applications that take advantage of these properties, including nanoropes, filled nanotubes, nanoelectromechanical systems, nanosensors, and nanotube-reinforced polymers. This review article cites 349 references. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1490129#

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Mechanics of carbon nanotubes

Endohedral metallofullerenes (fullerenes containing metals inside the carbon cage) have long attracted special interest as new spherical molecules with novel properties. Recent important progress has been marked by successful isolation and purification in macroscopic quantities. With the availability of such purified samples, it has been possible to investigate the structures, electronic properties, and chemical reactivities. Very recent progress in the theoretical and experimental studies of endohedral metallofullerenes is summarized to show what are known or still unknown for the future material, catalytic, and biological applications.

Endohedral Metallofullerenes : New Spherical Cage Molecules with Interesting Properties

A simple technique for the synthesis of filled carbon nanoparticles

Recent work has shown that permanent openings consisting of 11- and 14-membered rings can be created on C{sub 60}, but the hole is too small or hindered to allow the introduction of an atom into fullerene framework. In this context, we are reporting the unprecedented formation of the cobalt(III) complex 1 resulting from a sequential triple scission of a six-membered ring on C{sub 60} affording a 15-membered ring. This type of complex could be one of the most promising candidates for introduction of a metal into the C{sub 60} framework. 19 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

Triple Scission of a Six-Membered Ring on the Surface of C60 via Consecutive Pericyclic Reactions and Oxidative Cobalt Insertion

Magnetic properties of atomic clusters and endohedral metallofullerenes

Bulk amounts of La C[sub 82] and Gd C[sub 82] have been isolated in pure form from various hollow fullerenes. Magnetization data for these powder samples, an isolated La C[sub 82] isomer and a Gd C[sub 82] isomer, have been obtained employing a SQUID magnetometer at temperatures ranging from 3 to 300 K. For La C[sub 82] the inverse susceptibility as a function of temperature follows a Curie-Weiss law. The effective magnetic moment per La C[sub 82] is 0.38 [mu][sub B]. For Gd C[sub 32] the magnetization data fall on a universal curve which is fitted to a Brillouin function in correspondence with the Gd[sup 3+] free ion ground state values of J = 3.38 and g = 2. 33 refs., 6 figs.

Magnetic properties of rare-earth metallofullerenes

Actinide carbides encapsulated with multilayered graphitic capsules have been produced by the arc burning of a composite carbon rod containing thoriated tungsten or uranium ore. The morphology of these filled nanoparticles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The preferential encapsulation in the constituent elements of the core materials surrounded by the graphite cage was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was found that these carbon nanoparticles filled with radioactive materials have been quite stable for 1 year or more.

Kenji Sugiyama

Papers

Magnetic properties of rare-earth metallofullerenes

Synthesis of actinide carbides encapsulated within carbon nanoparticles

Synthesis of lanthanum compound encapsulated within carbon nanoparticles

Magnetic Properties of Rare-Earth Metallofullerenes.

Superconducting transition at 12.5 K in RbxC60