Shi, L.Rohringer, P.Suenaga, K.Niimi, Y.Kotakoski, J.Meyer, J. C.Peterlik, H.Wanko, M.Cahangirov, S.Rubio, A.Lapin, Z. J.Novotny, L.Ayala, P.Pichler, T.2018-04-122018-04-122016-041476-1122http://hdl.handle.net/11693/36704Strong chemical activity and extreme instability in ambient conditions characterize carbyne, an infinite sp1 hybridized carbon chain. As a result, much less has been explored about carbyne as compared to other carbon allotropes such as fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene. Although end-capping groups can be used to stabilize carbon chains, length limitations are still a barrier for production, and even more so for application. We report a method for the bulk production of long acetylenic linear carbon chains protected by thin double-walled carbon nanotubes. The synthesis of very long arrangements is confirmed by a combination of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and (near-field) resonance Raman spectroscopy. Our results establish a route for the bulk production of exceptionally long and stable chains composed of more than 6,000 carbon atoms, representing an elegant forerunner towards the final goal of carbyne's bulk production.EnglishChainsHigh resolution transmission electron microscopyNanotubesTransmission electron microscopyX ray diffractionYarnAmbient conditionsBulk productionCarbon allotropesCarbon chainsChemical activitiesDouble walled carbon nanotubesLinear carbonResonance Raman spectroscopyMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN)Article10.1038/nmat4617