Diameter-specific growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes using tungsten supported nickel catalysts

We developed a W/WOx-supported Ni catalyst for the diameter-controlled growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) valid for different substrates and broad growth conditions. The Ni nanoparticles anchored on W/WOx are well dispersed and show superior stability to high temperature. Under broad CVD windows of temperature and carbon feedstock supply conditions, SWNTs with narrow diameter distribution of ∼1.3 ± 0.1 nm can be steadily synthesized. This strategy also works well in the growth of surface lattice oriented SWNT arrays. The aligned SWNTs grown on ST-cut quartz show similar diameters to those obtained on silicon wafers.

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