Factors affecting the size and deposition rate of the cathode deposit in an anodic arc used to produce carbon nanotubes

Two effects regarding the cathode deposit growth in the anodic arc producing carbon nanotubes are reported. First, there is a decrease of the cathode deposit growth rate with increasing interelectrode gap and second, there is an increase of the cathode deposit diameter with increasing arc current. Both effects are explained by assuming that interelectrode plasma is necessary to trigger the growth of the cathode deposit. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.