A novel nanostructure——tubular graphite cones

We report the synthesis of tubular graphite cones using a chemical vapor deposition method. The cones have nanometer size tips, micrometer size roots and hollow interiors with a diameter ranging from about 2 to several tens of nanometers. The cones are composed of cylindrical graphite sheets; a continuous shortening of the graphite layers from the interior to the exterior makes them cone－shaped. All of the tubular graphite cones have the faceted morphology and all of the constituent graphite sheets have identical chiralities of zigzag types across the entire diameter, thus structural control for tubular based carbon structures has been achieved. The tubular graphite cones have potential use as tips for scanning probe microscopy, but with greater rigidity and easier mounting than currently used carbon nanotubes.