Electrical and transport properties of carbon chains encapsulated within CNT

A linear carbon chain with pure sp hybridization has been intensively studied for the application of its intrinsic electrical properties to electronic devices. Owing to the high chemical reactivity derived from its unsaturated bond, encapsulation by carbon nanotubes (CNT) is provided as a promising method to stabilize the geometry of the linear carbon chain. Although the influence of CNT on the carbon chain has extensively been studied in terms of both electronic structure and geometries, the electron transport properties has not been discussed yet. In this regard, we provide the systematic atomic-scale analyses of the properties of the linear carbon chain within CNT based on a computational approach combining density-functional theory (DFT) and matrix green function (MGF) method. Based on the DFT calculations, the influence of CNT on electronic structures of the linear carbon chain is provided as well as its electrical origin. Via MGF calculations, we also identify the electron transport properties of the carbon chain - CNT complex.