Relevant synthesis parameters for the sequential catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes.
Sequential catalytic growth provides an efficient tool for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes periodically inserted with catalyst nanoparticles. Several synthesis parameters were found crucial in order to induce this particular growth mechanism. The presence of phosphorus is required to form metal phosphide particles active for the formation of carbon nanotubes with a matchstick morphology. The metal composition (Ni/Fe ratio) and the carbon supply have no influence on the nanofilament type but strongly affect the nanotube yield. The synthesis temperature induces important changes on both the nanofilament type and yield, which are correlated with important transformations of the catalyst layer in terms of composition, particle size, and physical state.
Jourdain
Vincent
V
GDPC, Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, CC26, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France. jourdain@gdpc.univ-montp2.fr
Paillet
Matthieu
M
Almairac
Robert
R
Loiseau
Annick
A
Bernier
Patrick
P
D002384:Catalysis; D007501:Iron / Q000737:chemistry; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D010720:Phosphines / Q000737:chemistry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D010720:Phosphines; D009532:Nickel; D007501:Iron