Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can indeed support electron propagation around their circumference, despite being classified as 1-dimensional conductors primarily due to their axial conductive properties. The helicity of the nanotube significantly influences its electronic structure, determining whether it behaves as a metallic or semiconducting material. While conduction is typically associated with macroscopic scales, localized electron wavepackets can spread around the CNT's perimeter. The interaction of CNTs with surfaces, such as gold, can facilitate conduction across the tube when probed with techniques like Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM).
PREREQUISITESResearchers in nanotechnology, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes and their applications in nanoelectronics.
Yes, electrons can propagate around the circumference of the nanotube. They're called 1-dimensional because most of their practical applications employ their conductive properties along the long axis of the wire. But the structure of the tube about its circumference (specifically its twist, or helicity) strongly affects its overall electronic structure: namely, whether the tube is metallic or semiconducting.gildomar said:Can carbon nanotubes support electron propagation perpendicular to the axis? That is, can there be circular current flow on the tube's perimeter, not just the linear flow parallel to the axis? Because I reading that it's generally considered a 1-dimensional conductor.
TeethWhitener said:Yes, electrons can propagate around the circumference of the nanotube. They're called 1-dimensional because most of their practical applications employ their conductive properties along the long axis of the wire. But the structure of the tube about its circumference (specifically its twist, or helicity) strongly affects its overall electronic structure: namely, whether the tube is metallic or semiconducting.