Large area growth of aligned CNT arrays on spheres: Cost performance and product control

We present a systematic optimization of the ferrocene chemical vapor deposition process for the low cost mass production of millimeter aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT), and also a successful control on the structure of the CNT product in this process. An overall carbon efficiency of 50%, almost 50 times higher than the conventional procedure, was achieved. The length and average diameter of the CNTs can be controlled in a wide range. CNTs with narrow diameter distribution were also obtained from nickelocene based catalyst.