Stable colloidal Co-Pd nanocatalysts for carbon nanotube growth

The standard preparation method for catalysts for surface-bound growth of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is to sputter or evaporate the metal catalyst (Fe, Co, and Ni) onto the surface. A lower cost method for large areas is to use liquid delivery. Colloids have the advantage of containing the catalyst in nanocluster form. Our previously developed colloidal catalysts were successful for growth but had limited shelf-life due to oxidation and coagulation. Here, we develop an air-stable colloidal catalyst with long shelf-life of many months to years. (C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim