R. Andrews et al., Continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes: a step closer to commercial realization, CHEM P LETT, 303(5-6), 1999, pp. 467-474
High-purity aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were synthesized
through the catalytic decomposition of a ferrocene-xylene mixture at simila
r to 675 degrees C in a quartz tube reactor and over quartz substrates, wit
h a conversion of similar to 25% of the total hydrocarbon feedstock. Under
the experimental conditions used, scanning electron microscope images revea
l that the MWNT array grows perpendicular to the quartz substrates at an av
erage growth rate of similar to 25 mu m/h. A process of this nature which d
oes not require preformed substrates, and which operates at atmospheric pre
ssure and moderate temperatures, could be scaled up for continuous or semi-
continuous production of MWNTs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r
eserved.