Laser assisted chemical vapor deposition synthesis of carbon nanotubes and their characterization

The deposition of carbon nanotubes using the laser assisted chemical vapor deposition process was studied to determine the effects of processing conditions on the quantity and quality of the tubes. A structured experimental design was utilized to test the effects of laser power, and concentration of the two precursors, acetylene and iron pentacarbonyl. Processing conditions were optimized with the assistance of heat and mass transport modeling. The synthesis of lines of carbon nanotubes as well as deposits formed under the influence of an electric field were also investigated. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.