Novel and simple synthesis method for submillimeter long vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes by no-flow alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Using a conventional thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system, ethanol vapor was enclosed in a reactor, i.e., no flow, with Co/Mo dip-coated quartz substrates to synthesize submillimeter long vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films successfully. The no-flow CVD method yielded an increase in film thickness of up to 0.11 mm compared with the normal flowing gas method for 30 min of synthesis. The thermal decomposition of ethanol was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry. At CVD temperatures, ethanol decomposed mainly into ethylene, acetylene, acetaldehyde, and water. Some of these molecules could enhance SWNT growth. © 2008 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.