Foo Y.L., Lin M., Tan J.P.Y., Boothroyd C.B., Tok E.S.
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, SG
The growth dynamics of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) is observed in real-time using an in-situ ultra-high vacuum transmission electron microscope at 650 oC. The SWNTs preferentially grow on smaller sized catalyst particles (diameter ≤ 6 nm) with three distinct growth regimes (incubation, growth and passivation). All the observed SWNTs grow via a base-growth mechanism with C diffusion on active Ni catalyst sites. Under the same experimental conditions, formation of carbon nanocages was observed on larger Ni catalyst particles. The evolution of SWNT or nanocages is dependent on catalyst size, and this can be rationalized from both energetics and kinetics considerations.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 21 - 24
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Carbon Nano Structures & Devices
ISBN: 1-4200-6182-8