Growth and density control of carbon tubule nanocoils using catalyst of iron compounds

We synthesized carbon tubule nanocoils by catalytic thermal chemical vapor deposition. The iron catalyst necessary in the growth of carbon nanocoils was prepared only by coating the iron compound solution on indium tin oxide-coated glass substrate. It was found that the iron compounds have the same catalytic function as iron thin film prepared by evaporation or electroplating. Furthermore, the density of the prepared carbon nanocoils could be easily controlled by changing the density of the solution of iron compounds. In addition, the poly(methylphenylsilane) proved to be an excellent dispersive medium for the iron compound in preparation of the carbon nanocoils in desired densities.