Mo-Co catalyst nanoparticles: Comparative study between TiN and Si surfaces for single-walled carbon nanotube growth

► Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) ontained by catalytic chemical vapor-deposition. ► Substrate/Co-Mo catalyst behaviour plays a key role in the SWNT growth. ► Co nanoparticles (the effective catalyst) have been only observed on the Si region. ► High purity SWNT were spatially confined in specific locations (Si regions). ► TiN-coated surfaces, adjacent to a Si oxide region, prevent the growth of SWNT.