Dilation-induced phases of gases absorbed within a bundle of carbon nanotubes

A study is presented of the effects of gas (especially H2) absorption within the interstitial channels of a bundle of carbon nanotubes. The ground state of the system is determined by minimizing the total energy, which includes the molecules' interaction with the tubes, the inter-tube interaction, and the molecules' mutual interaction (which is screened by the tubes). The consequences of swelling include a significant increase in the gas uptake and a 3 per cent increase in the tubes' breathing mode frecuency.