Effect of environment temperature for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes by arc vaporization method

The generation rate of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) via arc burning of a Ni–Y (0.6–0.6 at%) catalyzed carbon pellet is investigated by varying the environment temperature (Tenv). The yield of SWNTs indicates a maximum in the Tenv range between 400 and 600°C. At 600°C, the yield reaches >70 wt%, while the yield is ∼30–40 wt% for the sample prepared at room temperature. In this study, it is found that the Tenv plays an important role for the high yield synthesis of SWNTs as well as to select the metal catalysts.