Preparation of CN_x/carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions by switching gas sources in continuous chemical vapour deposition

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CN_x)/carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions were prepared by a simple continuous chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method at 650 °C. The catalyst was obtained by calcination of a layered double hydroxide precursor containing Fe and Mg. By switching between hexane and ethylenediamine repeatedly in the CVD process, multiple intramolecular junctions composed of CNx with a bamboo-like structure and empty hollow carbon nanotubes were observed, and such different structures at both sides of the junctions indicated some interesting properties and offered potential applications for future nanodevices.