Multiwall and bamboo-like carbon nanotube growth by CVD using a semimetal as a catalyst

Multiwall carbon nanotubes have been synthesized on silicon substrates via atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition technique using bismuth as a catalyst. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that the samples grow through a tip growth mechanism. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis shows spaghetti-like multiwall carbon nanotubes and with a bamboo-like structure obtained using the Bi catalyst. The quality, in terms of the graphitic crystallinity of the as grown carbon nanotubes, was analyzed by Raman analysis. The study shows that the catalyst, namely bismuth strongly influences the growth density and graphitic crystallinity of the grown carbon nanotubes.

► Growth of bamboo-like CNTs using bismuth. ► Bismuth does not produce filled CNTs under the conditions explored. ► Model for the various features observed in the grown CNTs.