Growth and characterization of aligned carbon nanotubes from patterned nickel nanodots and uniform thin films

Microstructures of well-aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes grown on pattern ed nickel nanodots and uniform thin films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been studied by electron microscopy. It was found that gro wth of carbon nanotubes on patterned nickel nanodots and uniform thin films is different. During growth of carbon nanotubes, a nickel particle sits at the tip of each nanotube, and its [220] is preferentially oriented along t he plasma direction, which can be explained by a channeling effect of ions coming into nickel particles in plasma. The alignment of nanotubes is induc ed by the electrical field direction relative to substrate surface.