Production of nanotubes by the catalytic decomposition of different carbon-containing compounds

Carbon nanotubes were prepared in the catalytic decomposition of different carbon containing compounds over supported transition metal catalysts. Besi des acetylene, ethylene, propylene, acetone, n-pentane, methanol, toluene, and methane were tested and each resulted in carbon nanotube formation. The quality of as-made nanotubes was investigated by TEM and was found to be a t least as good as obtained in acetylene decomposition. Ethylene and propyl ene showed somewhat lower reactivity in the buckytube formation with respec t to acetylene, simultaneously suppressed formation of amorphous carbon on the outer surface was found. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.