Synthesis of carbon nanohorn particles by simple pulsed arc discharge ignited between pre-heated carbon rods

Single-wall carbon nanohorn (SWNH) particles were generated by simple pulsed arc discharge between pure carbon rods in the atmospheric pressure of air. Purity of SWNHs was reached higher than 90%, and the heating in dry air at 500 °C was useful for removal of amorphous carbon. The mean size of SWNH particles was ≈50 nm, which is smaller than those prepared by the CO2 laser method. Pre-heating of the carbon rod up to 1000 °C, conducted just before ignition of arc, improved the quality of SWNHs. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize these SWNH particles.