On a probable cause of poor selectivity of carbon nanotubes
synthesis by arc discharge
Authors: S. Yatom and Y. Raitses
Abstract: We show that synthesis of single wall carbon
nanotubes (SWCNT) by carbon arc is not a continuous process,
involving switching between two distinctive modes, only one of which
("synthesis on") is capable of producing SWCNTs. The two modes were
characterized for a typical arc configuration with a hollow anode
filled with powder mix of metal catalysts and graphite powder, using
electrical, imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics. The
"synthesis-on" mode duration is rare compared to arc run-time,
explaining the poor selectivity of the final product, which is the
common arc synthesis caveat.
Submitted to: Carbon
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