Gas-phase synthesis of SWNT by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet

We present here a new method for producing single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) based on the atomization of a gaseous mixture (composed of argon, ferrocene and ethylene) in an atmospheric plasma jet. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and Raman spectroscopy were performed to study the samples obtained. They contain SWNT with diameters and structure comparable to those produced by laser ablation and arc discharge techniques. Since this method is continuous and easily scalable, we feel it has potential for large-scale commercial production of SWNT.