Bamboo-like carbon nanotubes produced by pyrolysis of iron(II) phthalocyanine

Bamboo-like carbon nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by a pyrolysis of iron( II) phthalocyanine under Ar/H-2 at 1000 degreesC. Transmission electron mic roscopy was used to investigate the bamboo-like nanotubes. The growth mecha nism of the bamboo-like NTs is proposed in detail, especially the formation process of compartments of the bamboo-like NTs. The graphite sheath slidin g out from the Fe particles' surface accounts for the formation of the comp artments of bamboo-like NTs. The motive force of the sliding was caused by the stress accumulated in the graphite sheath due to the segregation of car bon atoms from the inside of the sheath. Carbon feedstock is supplied from the interfaces of the NTs with the Fe catalyst particles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.