Continuous production of single-wall carbon nanotubes by spray pyrolysis of alcohol with dissolved ferrocene

Ferrocene was dissolved in alcohol and such solution was used as the catalyst and carbon sources for the first time for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). This is different from the previous studies in which the catalyst was supported on either zeolite or a substrate when alcohol was used as the carbon source. Because of the use of a floating catalyst, SWCNTs could be produced continuously. Because of the use of alcohol, the formation of impurities, such as amorphous carbon, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanoparticles were suppressed. Due to the simplicity of the present technique, it may be suitable for scale-up for mass production.