Pyrolytic production of aligned carbon nanotubes from homogeneously dispersed benzene-based aerosols

Aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (30-130 mum long, 10-200 nm outer dia meter) have been prepared in high yield by pyrolysing homogeneously dispers ed aerosols generated from benzene/ferrocene solutions, at 800 degreesC or 950 degreesC, using a compressed gas (Ar) driven atomiser. Scanning electro n microscopy (SEM) and TEM studies reveal the presence of carpet-like flake s containing high yields of partly filled carbon nanotubes. X-ray diffracti on confirms the presence of graphite-like structures, alpha -Fe and Fe3C (c ementite). Nanotube and filling yields were found to be temperature and fer rocene concentration dependent. The preparative method opens up new avenues for nanotube synthesis based upon hydrocarbon/catalyst solutions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.