Collapsing carbon nanotubes with an electron beam

We report the first in situ study of the dynamical behavior of carbon nanotubes. We have used high energy electrons to collapse multi-walled tubes in an atomic resolution transmission electron microscope. Our video recorded observations show the real time dynamics of collapse of the tubular structure. We propose that the orientation dependent damage and channeling effects of the incident 800 keV electrons enable the multi-walled tube to flatten parallel to the flow of electrons. Evidence is seen for a zipper-like closure effect initiated by van der Waals interactions between the inner tube walls.