A novel approach to bulk synthesis of carbon nanotubes filled with metal by a catalytic chemical vapor deposition method

A novel microporous aluminophosphate (AlPO-5) support is reported for the f irst time as an alternative to the Na-Y zeolite support for large-scale pro duction of carbon nanotubes using a cobalt metal catalyst which makes the s eparation and purification process of nanotubes easier. The use of an alumi nophosphate support results in filling of the nanotubes with metal particle s and metal nanowires while zeolite (Na-Y) support yields metal free nanotu bes. This difference has been attributed to the difference in the mechanism of nanotube growth from electroneutral aluminophosphate and highly charged zeolite supports due to difference in the metal-support interaction in two cases. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.