Synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized using ethanol and bimetallic catalyst of cobalt and molybdenum acetates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method on silicon substrates at 850 degrees C. This process made it possible to grow carbon nanotubes without use of vacuum pump and hydrogen reducing agent in nitrogen environment under simple set-up. Similar result so far has not been reported earlier in this method. Synthesis of CNTs are found to be highly affected in catalyst concentration. As-grown carbon nanotubes were characterized by Raman spectra, scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and transmission electronic microscope (TEM). This technique suggests for the low cost rout of SWCNTs synthesis. The diameter of as-grown CNTs was within 0.8 nm to 1.2 nm. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.