Theoretical study of hierarchical structures and heredity effect of silicon solidifying on carbon nanotube.

The growth of silicon atoms at the heterogeneous surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that silicon atoms are concentrated to form an “annual ring” structure around CNTs. The structures of CNTs have strong correlation with the stacking sequence of silicon atoms. Heredity effect can be clearly observed during the heterogeneous nucleation. The uniform internal potential field around CNTs results in the formation of annual ring structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]