Study of parameters important for the growth of single wall carbon nanotubes

We report on the production of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using a continuous wave (cw) 10.6 mum CO2-laser. A wide range of experimental parameters such as the catalyst composition, the gas-atmosphere, the gas-pressure, the gas-flow, the laser-mode (continuous or pulsed) as well as the temperature environment and their influence on the formation of SWNTs has been investigated. Characterization of the produced SWNT material by various techniques shows the importance of two parameters: the metal in the target rod and the temperature environment for the evaporated carbon and metal species acting as feedstock for the Formation of SWNTs. These results will help to develop a controlled and efficient method for the production of SWNTs. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.