Effects of Catalyst Promoters on the Growth of Single-Layer Carbon Nanotubes

MRS Online Proceedings Library volume 359, pages69–74(1994)Cite this article

Abstract

The discovery of a catalytic route to the growth of single-layer carbon nanotubes suggests that it may be possible to produce these materials with better selectivity and in higher yield1,2. Increasing the production efficiency is essential for characterization and application of these materials. We have discovered several catalyst promoters, in particular S, Bi, and Pb, that greatly enhance the single-layer carbon nanotube yield, and extend the distribution of nanotube diameters to much larger sizes (> 3 nm). Co crystallites encapsulated in graphitic polyhedra also form abundantly when S, Bi, or W is present. Understanding these catalytic process is of substantial scientific and technological importance.

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Affiliations

  1. IBM Research Division, Almaden Research Center, San Jose, CA, 95120, USA

    Ching-Hwa Kiang, Robert Beyers, Jesse R. Salem & Donald S. Bethune

  2. Materials and Molecular Simulation Center, Beckman Institute, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA

    Ching-Hwa Kiang & William A. Goddard III

Authors
  1. Ching-Hwa Kiang
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  2. William A. Goddard III
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  3. Robert Beyers
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  4. Jesse R. Salem
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  5. Donald S. Bethune
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Correspondence to Ching-Hwa Kiang.

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Kiang, CH., Goddard, W.A., Beyers, R. et al. Effects of Catalyst Promoters on the Growth of Single-Layer Carbon Nanotubes. MRS Online Proceedings Library 359, 69–74 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-359-69

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