The effect of electric current on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by temperature controlled arc discharge

The effect of discharge current on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was studied under controlled atmosphere at 500 °C by electric arc discharge. It was shown that the production rate of collected soot was increased but the purity of SWCNTs decreased with increasing discharge current. With a current of 100 A, the SWCNT was very uniform in diameter and a high purity rate of 55% was achieved, as shown by TEM and Raman spectra. Then the influence of electric force, discharge current and catalyst distribution on the formation of SWCNTs was also discussed.