The production and migration of carbon interstitials in carbon nanotubes under electron irradiation is studied experimentally and theoretically. It is shown that the threshold for displacing carbon atoms and the defect production rate strongly depend on the diameter of the nanotubes. Multiwalled nanotubes shrink by a loss of atoms and by diffusion of interstitials through the inner hollow in the axial direction. Thus, experimental evidence is given that nanotubes can act as nanoscale pipes for the transport of atoms.

• Received 23 September 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.71.241408