Geomimetic catalysis: From volcanic stones to ultra-selective Fe-Mo/Al2O3-TiO2 catalysts for few-walled carbon nanotube production

Volcanic stones from the Greek island of Santorini have been used as natural catalysts for the growth of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition. In a unique geomimetic experiment, we show that a synthetic catalyst mimicking the natural rock can lead to highly selective production of thin multiwalled tubes.