Effect of environment temperature for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes by arc vaporization method

The generation rate of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) via are burning of a Ni-Y (0.6-0.6 at%) catalyzed carbon pellet is investigated by varying the environment temperature (T-env). The yield of SWNTs indicates a maximu m in the T-env range between 400 and 600 degrees C. At 600 degrees C, the y ield reaches > 70 wt%, while the yield is similar to 30-40 wt% for the samp le prepared at room temperature. In this study, it is found that the T-env plays an important role for the high yield synthesis of SWNTs as well as to select the metal catalysts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.