Carbon nanotubes as contaminants on support films for transmission electron microscopy

When studying carbon nanotubes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) it is essential to be aware that the carbon films commonly used to support samples often contain fullerene-like structures such as carbon nanotubes as contaminants.

The nanotubes are usually quite short, and tend to form clusters, as shown in the image. They are sometimes coated with a layer of amorphous carbon. Other carbonaceous contaminants such as carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and possibly crystals of carbyne can also be found on support films for TEM. Some references are given below.