A simple method for the production of large arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes

Aligned carbon nanotubes are a technologically relevant member of the famil y of novel carbon materials, which find applications, e.g., as field emitte rs in flat panel displays. Different strategies of various complexities for their production have been demonstrated. Here we present an efficient and versatile but simple method for the production of large arrays of aligned c arbon nanotubes based on thermal chemical vapor deposition from common prec ursor molecules. Iron catalyst particles are obtained from thermal decompos ition of Fe(CO)(5), while C2H2 serves as carbon feedstock. Growth of aligne d nanotubes is achieved under both co-deposition and deposition in separate steps of the carbonyl and acetylene. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.