Catalytic growth of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes over a Fe/MgO catalyst derived from a precursor containing Feitknecht compound

A catalyst is derived from a Feitknecht-compound (FC) precursor prepared via a co-precipitation method and is proved to manifest a strong metal–support interaction which facilitates the growth of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution. The effect of the rinsing condition of the precipitate on the growth of the SWCNTs is also examined. The pore structure of the catalysts rinsed by ethanol is modified and the carbon yield is enhanced while the diameter distribution of the SWCNTs is unchanged. The correlation between the metal–support interaction and the SWCNT growth is discussed.

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► A precursor containing Feitknecht compound was prepared via a varied pH co-precipitation method.
► High quality SWCNTs were obtained over the catalyst derived from Feitknecht compound.
► Rinsing the precipitates with ethanol improves the yield of the SWCNTs.
► The metal–support interaction affects the diameter distribution of SWCNTs.