Flame synthesis of Fe catalyzed single-walled carbon nanotubes and Ni catalyzed nanofibers: Growth mechanisms and consequences

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Flame synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes and nanofibers is demonstrated using a pyrolysis flame configuration. Fe reacts preferentially with CO/H2/He mixtures to produce single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs). In contrast, Ni reacts preferentially with C2H2/H2/He mixtures to yield nanofibers. Both catalyst metals exhibit a marked size dependent reactivity towards these reactant gas mixtures. The yarmulke mechanism and a carbon solvation/diffusion/precipitation account for the different catalyzed products; SWNTs and nanofibers, respectively. Consequences of the size dependent reactivities of Fe and Ni nanoparticles and the respective growth mechanisms for the SWNTs and nanofibers are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)178-184
Number of pages7
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume349
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 30 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Flame synthesis of Fe catalyzed single-walled carbon nanotubes and Ni catalyzed nanofibers: Growth mechanisms and consequences'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this