Catalyst effect on the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes by a modified arc discharge

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were prepared by a modified arc discharge furnace using 500 Torr helium as buffer gas at 600 °C. The effect of the catalyst type on the production of SWCNTs was studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results indicated that the catalyst composition plays an important role in the production rate and purity of the SWCNTs product. Fe-Ni-Mg and Co-Ni powder catalysts demonstrated excellent catalytic effect at a catalyst content of 3 wt%. The soot production rate was up to 15 g/hr and the mean diameter of SWCNTs was about 1.3 nm.