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Tailoring the diameter, density and number of walls of carbon nanotubes through predefined catalyst particles
Author(s) -
Schäffel F.,
Rümmeli M. H.,
Kramberger C.,
Queitsch U.,
Mohn E.,
Kaltofen R.,
Pichler T.,
Büchner B.,
Rellinghaus B.,
Schultz L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.200778142
Subject(s) - carbon nanotube , catalysis , materials science , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , carbon fibers , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering , composite number
We have explored the influence of predefined gas phase prepared catalyst particles on carbon nanotube (CNT) properties such as their diameter and number of walls. During the catalyst preparation particles are simultaneously deposited onto a substrate for chemical vapour deposition as well as on a witness grid for analysis in transmission electron microscopy. This allows us to obtain precise information on the starting catalyst material on one side and the CNT product on the other. Clear correlations between the catalyst's size and the CNT diameter and number of walls have been found. Our results indicate a dependence of the resultant CNT on the volume to surface area ratio of the catalyst particle and fit well with our understanding of cap formation at CNT nucleation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)