Growth of nanotubes by decomposition of C60 on transition metal surfaces

A new method for the growth of carbon nanotubes was discovered which is based on C60. The C60 was heated in a stainless steel oven under high vacuum. The material which was evaporated at temperatures between 360 and 510 °C in the presence of metal catalysts was deposited on a HOPG substrate. Measurements with STM, SEM and TEM gave evidence for the formation of multiwalled nanotubes. Nanotubes were found on the HOPG Substrate and within the oven. No nanotubes were found using a quartz oven or a gold substrate.