Controlled growth of one-dimensional clusters of molybdenum atoms using double-walled carbon nanotube templating

We report the controlled growth of one-dimensional clusters of molybdenum atoms inside the inner cores of double-walled carbon nanotubes. A combined characterization including high resolution transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption measurement at 77 K, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the growth of one-dimensional Mo clusters can be controlled by varying the reaction conditions. The products have specific surface areas of 360-480 m(2) g(-1), and their characteristic properties are attributed to the presence of Mo cluster, which affect the electronic structure and can be exploited for the development of nanotube electronic devices.