pp. 40–57.HighPressure

Abstract—In this paper, we have reviewed the experimental and theoretical studies on pressureinduced polygonization, ovalization, racetrack–shape deformation, and polymerization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The corresponding electronic, optical, and mechanical changes accompanying these behaviors have been discussed. The transformations of armchair (n, n) CNT bundles (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8) under hydrostatic or nonhydrostatic pressure into new carbons, including recently proposed superhard bctC4, CcoC8, and BB1AL2R2 carbon phases have also been demonstrated. Given the diversity of CNTs from various chiralities, diameters, and arrangements, pressureinduced CNT polymerization provides a prom ising approach to produce numerous novel metastable carbons exhibiting unique electronic, optical, and mechanical characteristics. DOI: 10.3103/S106345761206011