  Gallium displays physical properties which can make it a potential element to
produce metallic nanowires and high-conducting interconnects in
nanoelectronics. Using first-principles pseudopotential plane method we showed
that Ga can form stable metallic linear and zigzag monatomic chain structures.
The interaction between individual Ga atom and single-wall carbon nanotube
(SWNT) leads to a chemisorption bond involving charge transfer. Doping of SWNT
with Ga atom gives rise to donor states. Owing to a significant interaction
between individual Ga atom and SWNT, continuous Ga coverage of the tube can be
achieved. Ga nanowires produced by the coating of carbon nanotube templates are
found to be stable and high conducting.
