Template grown multiwall carbon nanotubes

A range of pure metal and metal compound catalysts are investigated for CVD growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on silicon oxide substrates under various conditions. Catalysts including iron, cobalt and nickel and their carbonyl, chloride, oxalate and acetylacetonate compounds deposited on SiO2 substrates were prepared and reduced in flowing hydrogen prior to nanotube growth from hydrogen and acetylene at temperatures ranging from 500 to 750 C. The highest quality nanotubes were grown from elemental iron and iron compound catalysts at temperatures around 700 C. (Author)