Synthesis of single wall carbon nanotubes by using arc discharge technique in nitrogen atmosphere

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared with arc discharge technique using Ni/Co carbon composite rod in He, Ar, and N-2 atmosphere, respectively. The yield and the diameter distribution of them were compared with each other. The results show that N-2 atmosphere at low pressure gives the highest yield for the formation of SWNTs, almost comparable to that obtained with laser furnace technique. It also declares that He atmosphere seems to make SWNTs having smaller diameter distribution than those obtained in N-2 and Ar atmosphere. These findings were summarized and used for the discussion related to the formation mechanism of SWNTs.