Nanotubes beyond carbon: theory of gallium nitride and boron nanotubes – Sohrab Ismail-Beigi
Date: Mon. January 28th, 2008, 12:30 pm-1:30 pmLocation: Rockefeller 221
Although atomically-thin nanotubes of other elements are now fabricated, carbon nanotubes are probably the best known examples of nano-materials. They provide ideal cases for studying a variety of nanoscopic effects: e.g., geometric and quantum confinement of electrons, enhanced Coulomb interactions in one dimension, and curvature effects. However, as materials for use in electronics applications, carbon nanotubes have some drawbacks. Here, we describe our recent theoretical work on the physical properties of two other classes of nanotubes based on gallium nitride and boron, highlighting what is novel and potentially useful in each case.