Prof Arzhang Ardavan

Abstract:

A clear understanding of the interactions between the building blocks of self-assembled molecular materials is essential for rational design of functional nanostructures. Intermolecular interactions have been investigated for three different classes of fullerenes in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs); van der Waals molecule - molecule and molecule - SWNT interactions control the geometry of the molecular arrays inside nanotubes; electrostatic intermolecular forces influence the alignment of polar endohedral fullerenes M@C82; and hydrogen bonding between functionalised fullerenes has a significant effect on the selectivity of insertion of functionalised fullerenes into SWNTs.

Abstract:

Exohedrally functionalised fullerenes have been inserted in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with the aid of supercritical carbon dioxide to form peapods; C61(COOEt)2 are encapsulated in SWNTs in high yield, whereas C61(COOH)2 aggregate via hydrogen bonding to form a supramolecular complex, which sterically hinders encapsulation and causes it to adhere to the exterior surface of the SWNTs. © 2004 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Abstract:

We describe the Polarization Synchrotron, an experimental implementation of a superluminal (faster than light in vacuo) polarization current distribution that both oscillates and undergoes centripetal acceleration. The prototype machine produces tightly-beamed monochromatic radiation in the 100s of MHz range. The technique should also have applications as a broad-band GHz-THz source.