A Novel Class of Carbon Nanocones

Abstract

AbstractA new class of low-angle conical carbon crystals has been described and their characteristics are reported here. These carbon nanocones were found in pores of a glassy carbon (GC) along with cylindrical multiwall nanotubes and graphite polyhedral crystals. The largest cones reach 2 to 3 microns in length, although most are in the submicron range. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals cones protruding from the inner pore surfaces with the tips oriented toward the inside of the pores. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) show that cones are made of thick (up to several hundred layers), highly-ordered graphitic walls. Their tips are graphitic as well, and exhibit a dome-like morphology. These cones also differ from any carbon cones observed earlier in that they have a much smaller apex angle, sometimes less than 3°. Small angle carbon nanocones can potentially be used for probes and field emission elements.