Synthesis of thin bundled single walled carbon nanotubes and nanohorn hybrids by arc discharge technique in open air atmosphere

•SWCNT–SWCNH hybrids are synthesized by arc discharge in open air at less cost.•Spherical (size ~ 25 nm) SWCNHs are formed along with SWCNT bundles (dia ~ 5.7 nm).•The technique is simple and cost effective compared to other techniques to make hybrids.

Cost-effective synthesis of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and single walled carbon nanohorn (SWCNH) hybrids, in a single step, by electric arc discharge technique in open air, at lower current densities is reported. The rate of production of the hybrids is 3–5 g/h. The presence of SWCNTs and SWCNHs is confirmed by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition to conventional larger Dahlia-like aggregates of nanohorns, unique nearly-spherical shaped and relatively smaller sized aggregates (mean size ~ 25 nm) of nanohorns are formed along with thin bundles (mean diameter ~ 5.7 nm) of SWCNTs.