Synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by a fluidized-bed method

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been successfully synthesized using a fluidized-bed method that involves fluidization of a catalyst/support at high temperatures by a hydrocarbon flow. When nickel-nitrate coated silica-gel particles and methane were used, SWNTs were found to grow densely on the entire surface of the support particles at 760 degreesC, as revealed by Raman spectrometry and SEM analysis. This approach offers multiple advantages over the common fixed bed process, such as uniform gas-solid mixture and avoidance of catalyst particle sintering, and shows promise for the large-scale, potentially continuous, production of SWNTs, at high yield. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.