Catalytic growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes from metal particles

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been synthesized at milligram per hour rates by the catalytic decomposition of both carbon monoxide and ethylene over a supported metal catalyst known to produce larger multiwalled nanotubes. Under certain conditions, there is no termination of nanotube growth, and production appears to be limited only by the diffusion of reactant gas through the product nanotube mat that covers the catalyst. Further development of the catalyst geometry to overcome the diffusion limitation may allow bulk catalytic production of SWNTs by supported metal catalysts.