Structural transformation of partially confined copper nanowires inside defected carbon nanotubes.

The encapsulated copper atoms inside a defected single-walled carbon nanotube escape from the tube through the defect hole as the temperature increases. This causes the partially confined copper nanowires (CNWs) to undergo special structural transformations from a solid to a distinguishable helical layered structure and finally to the liquid state. The defect has a vital function in automatically adjusting the internal pressure and copper atom density. The critical structural transformation temperature of the CNW is significantly influenced by the confinement conditions of the carbon nanotube.