Creating covalent bonds between Cu and C at the interface of metal/open-ended carbon nanotubes.

The unique electrical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly desired in many technological applications. Unfortunately, in practice, the electrical conductivity of most CNTs and their assemblies has fallen short of expectations. One reason for this poor performance is that electrical resistance develops at the interface between carbon nanomaterials and metal surfaces when traditional metal-metal type contacts are employed.