The synthesis of carbon coils using catalyst arc discharge in an acetylene atmosphere

Novel carbon coils were synthesized by an arc discharge process on a metal plate under different gas pressures from 160 to 460 Torr. The morphology and yield of carbon coils were examined by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The influence of the gas pressure and impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus on the growth of product is also discussed. It was demonstrated that the morphology and yield of the coils were greatly controlled by the gas pressure. On the other hand, a new model was proposed to describe the coil growth. Our method offers a preferable alternative for the efficient, abundant and economical growth of carbon coils.