| Carbon nanocones(CNCs) are conical and seamless microstructures formed by curved multiple-walled graphene layers. CNCs may be used as a kind of novel and stable scanning probe microscope(SPM) tips because of their unique conical shape and high stability.However, the relatively dull multi-walled apex structure hindered the above practical application. And to our knowledge, there are no reports in detail about the fabrication technology of assembling CNC nanotips. In this paper, we performed the following work to improve the situation :(1) we present an approach to sharpen the CNC tip structure to make the material more appropriate for SPM applications. Simply by oxidization in air under optimized conditions,tapered nanocone tips can be obtained. It is notable that no additional structural defects or amorphous carbon impurities were generated after the oxidation process. The sharpened CNCs are believed to be excellent SPM tips with a superb spatial resolution and high stability. Moreover, based on the step-shaped structures in the sidewalls of the processed CNCs, the possible oxidation mechanism is discussed.(2) We also explored the fabrication process of assembling CNC nanotips, and we accumulated important experience and developed an effective method for the assembling technology. This work provides the foundation for the progress of practical application of CNC tips. |
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