The diffusion of Cu nanoclusters in C nanotubes was investigated by using a classical molecular dynamics simulation, and 3 empirical potential functions. The results indicated a growth mechanism for Cu-filled ultra-thin C nanotubes. That is, the Cu nanoclusters which were inserted into C nanotubes swiftly migrated along the tube axis, and Cu nanowires then grew in the ultra-thin C nanotubes. Periodic energy barriers in the C nanotubes induced a directional movement of Cu nanoclusters in the nanotubes. The diffusion speeds of the Cu nanoclusters in the nanotube obeyed the Arrhenius relationship.

Copper Nanocluster Diffusion in Carbon Nanotube. H.J.Hwang, O.K.Kwon, J.W.Kang: Solid State Communications, 2004, 129[11], 687-90