The preparation of carbon nanotubes by dc arc discharge using a carbon cathode coated with catalyst

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown using a dc arc discharge process and relevant process parameters were investigated. Unlike the usual process in which a carbon anode is filled with metal catalyst powder, CNTs were prepared using a carbon cathode on which the metal catalyst had been deposited using an electroplating system. Various transition metals were investigated. The results show that multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can both be synthesized using this technique. SWNTs are detected in the soot sample collected around the cathode, whereas the MWNTs are detected mainly in the deposit sample collected from the central area of the cathode. The CNT yield varies depending on the catalyst used and the properties of a good catalyst are discussed.