Abstract
The intercalation of metals within carbon nanotube structures has extended the potential applications of these materials to possible quantum memory elements as well as high density magnetic storage media. In our study we use methodologies based on wet chemistry and solid state physical (excimer laser) processes to incorporate silver nanoparticles in single and multiwall carbon nanotubes. We show high resolution TEM as evidence for the formation of very long (similar to 100-150 nm) silver quantum wires within SWCNT, and their properties are probed using various analytical techniques. The variation of the silver intercalated nanotube percentage and yield are compared for the SW- and MW-CNTs, when using wet chemistry versus physical processes.