Synthesis of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes by arc discharge method in large scalele

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were synthesized by a novel method. The dc arc discharge in H-2-Ar gas atmosphere with Fe3O4 as catalyst was used. The morphology and structures of the as-prepared SWNTs were characterized by SEM, HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The results indicated that this new catalyst could be used to produce SWNTs with high purity and yield in large scale. The purity and yield of the SWNTs synthesized from these new catalysts were affected by the mixture buffer gas. Based on the overall ease and low-cost advantages of these new catalysts, these results suggest a potential opportunity for cost-effective and commercial production of SWNTs. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.