A multi-stage growth model leading to high-yield production of carbon nanotubes

摘要

A novel growth model leading to high-yield production of carbon nanotubes with crystallized Ni_xMg_(1-x)MoO_4 as the catalyst is revealed.rnChemical vapor deposition (CVD) is considered one of the most important processes to produce carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a large scale under mild synthetic conditions. However, the desire to enhance the yield of a single process has led to intense investigation. In CVD systems, root/tip growth models have been commonly accepted to describe CNT growth. Baker and Xie suggested that the growth model usually depends on the contact force between the catalyst and support. CNTs grow through a root growth model with catalyst particles as the root if the interaction is strong; otherwise, CNTs grow according to a tip growth model with catalyst particles as the tip. According to the root/tip growth models, the yield of CNTs depends on the amount of catalyst loaded upon the surface of a host.