One Step Synthesis and Growth Mechanism of Carbon Nanotubes

A simple one step, reproducible, synthesis route for carbon nanotubes was proposed. No external catalyst was used for the synthesis. These nanotubes were obtained after decomposition of acetone at 650 °C in a specially designed autoclave. The pressure generated due to decomposition of acetone played a vital role in the synthesis. The X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscopy of the sample showed that the diameter of nanotubes is in the range of 3–14 nm. The thermo gravimetric analysis showed 3% weight loss below 500 °C; the content of amorphous carbon is very less. The growth mechanism of CNTs was also proposed in the present paper.