Nanocarbon production by arc discharge in water

Carbon nanostructures (onions, nanotubes and encapsulates) were generated by arc discharge in water between pure and catalyst-doped graphite electrodes. These structures were of fine quality and crystalline morphology, similar to those formed in He arc plasma. Emission spectroscopy was performed to assess the plasma components (H, O, C and C-2) and temperature values. C-2 radicals were determined quantitatively, between 10(15) and 10(16) cm(-2) depending on graphite anode composition. The temperature was between 4000 and 6500 K. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.