Catalytic growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes from metal particles

• Main Authors: R.E. SMALLEY, J.H. HAFNER, D.T. COLBERT
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.02.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOIDCHEMISTRY; CHEMISTRY; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; INORGANIC CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY; NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS; TRANSPORTING

Single-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by the catalytic decomposition of both carbon monoxide and ethylene over a supported metal catalyst know to produce larger multi-walled nanotubes. Under certain conditions, there is no termination of nanotube growth, and production appears to be l...