Theory of carbon nanocones: mechanical chiral inversion of a micron-scale three-dimensional object.

Phys Rev Lett

Department of Physics and Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-6300, USA.

Published: December 2004

AI Article Synopsis

  • Graphene cones can exist in two shapes—normal and inverted—and show complex mechanical behavior when pressure is applied.
  • When the apex is pressed, the initial response follows Hooke's law but quickly transitions to a constant-force mode, particularly for chiral cones which result in the precise inverted structure.
  • Adding five hydrogen atoms to the apex disrupts the symmetry and increases the cone's maximal yield strength by about 40%, allowing for atomic-level control in mechanical tasks.

Article Abstract

Graphene cones have two degenerate configurations: their original shape and its inverse. When the apex is depressed by an external probe, the simulated mechanical response is highly nonlinear, with a broad constant-force mode appearing after a short initial Hooke's law regime. For chiral cones, the final state is an atomically exact chiral invert of the original system. If the local reflection symmetry of the graphene sheet is broken by the chemisorption of just five hydrogen atoms to the apex, then the maximal yield strength of the cone increases by approximately 40%. The high symmetry of the conical geometry can concentrate micron-scale mechanical work with atomic precision, providing a way to activate specific chemical bonds.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.255504DOI Listing

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