Carbon nanotube synthesis upon stainless steel meshes

In this paper we report and interpret the effectiveness of different bulk metal catalyst preparations and of various components within reactive gas mixtures for carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis. The combined catalyst precursor and supporting material is type 304 stainless steel mesh. The steel mesh keenly illustrates the net effect of different pretreatments upon the catalyst because of its resistance to oxidation. These preparative treatments include oxidation, reduction, and their combinations. Finally the utility of the different components within the reactive gas mixture are illustrated by synthesis tests in their individual absence. The effect of catalyst preparation and gas mixture on CNT synthesis is judged on the basis of the relative surface density and morphology of the CNTs (as observed via SEM) and their graphitic structure (as observed via TEM).