Synthesis of Ordered Layers of Monodisperse CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Catalyzed Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Silicon Substrate

Simple and inexpensive formation of extended and ordered mono- or multilayers of highly monodispersed CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, covered by oleic acid coating, was obtained by the spin-coating method on silicon substrate. Two concentrations of nanoparticles dispersions were employed. The oleic-capped nanoparticles were used as catalysts for the growth of carbon nanotubes by ethylene CCVD. A close correlation of nanotube diameter with nanoparticle size has been verified. Moreover, density and length of nanotubes can be controlled by nanoparticle concentration.