Efficient synthesis of carbon nanotubes over rare earth zeolites by thermal chemical vapor deposition at low temperature

Highly efficient synthesis of carbon nanotubes, by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) below 450 °C, was achieved for the first time. Besides the surface fluidization of the catalyst nanoparticles themselves, assistance of the rare earth oxides embedded in zeolite supports is supposed to be responsible for high activity and selectivity of the Ni/Mo catalyst over which carbon source C2H2 successfully decomposes. The enhancement of the catalysis thus makes the carbon deposition and diffusion efficient at low temperatures. The possible mechanism of catalysis process for the growth of carbon nanotubes at low temperature is discussed.