In-situ transmission electron microscopy and synthesis of novel nanoscale materials

This thesis is divided into three main parts. The first part deals with the synthesis and characterization of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes. An overview of synthesis methods of nanotubes is given. Then, my own results of nanotube synthesis is discussed. Also, in-situ transmission electron microscopy experiments with bare and filled multi-wall carbon nanotubes, are presented. Using two custom-made transmission electron microscope stages, structural and electrical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes are investigated. Part two of this thesis deals with fullerene-filled nanotubes. Previous studies of fullerene-filled nanotubes is discussed. The synthesis of fullerene-filled boron nitride nanotubes is discussed in detail. The structure of the fullerene-filled nanotubes as a function of diameter is presented. Structures not found in bulk are observed and compared with theoretical predictions. Part three addresses my studies on carbon-doping of magnesium diboride. I will begin by discussing research on magnesium diboride. Then, I will discuss my synthesis of carbon doped magnesium diboride. Characterization of this materials is then discussed. Electrical resistance, magnetization, x-ray diffraction, high pressure, magnetic field, and heat capacity measurements are used to probe the material's structural and superconducting properties.