In situ electrical probing and bias-mediated manipulation of dielectric nanotubes in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope

Boron nitride nanotubes filled with magnesium oxides [MgO,MgO2] and/or hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] are electrically probed and delicately manipulated inside a 300kV JEOL-3000F high-resolution transmission analytical electron microscope equipped with a side-entry “Nanofactory Instruments” piezoholder. At a low bias the nanotubes demonstrate truly insulating behavior. At a high bias of ±30V they show reversible breakdown current of several dozens of nA. Under 300kV electron beam irradiation the nanotubes are positively charged that allows us to perform on-demand manipulation with them through tuning of polarity and/or value of a bias voltage on a gold counterelectrode from −140 to +140V, owing to the prominent electrostatic nanotube-electrode interactions.