ABSTRACT
We review the structures and electrical, mechanical, and optical properties of isolated hollow carbon nanocapsules (CNCs). We begin by explaining the methodology used to experimentally study CNCs: synthesis of CNCs and in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) incorporated with nanotip manipulation of the CNCs. Then, we present sample results from the observations of the formation, mechanical deformation, conductance, and electroluminescence of CNCs. A particularly intriguing example is the structure assembled to measure conductance; this structure corresponds to a single nanocapsule junction. In addition to the structures and properties of hollow CNCs, we also describe the encapsulation of metal and metal carbide nanoparticles in CNCs. This chapter includes descriptions of atomic configurations of encapsulated particles and of interfaces between carbon shells and encapsulated particles. CNCs are tough, flexible, and highly conductive; thus, they can be expected to serve as important functional and structural components in many future nanodevices.
