Current and arc pushing force effects on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes by arc discharge

The current and arc pushing force of arcing process effects on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes were investigated by a temperature-controlled arc discharging furnace with Co-Ni alloy powder as catalyst at 600°C. By experimental investigations, the optimal parameters of the process were obtained. The appropriate conditions included the current and arc pushing force of arcing process was 100 A and 80 A respectively, the buffer gas was helium and the gas pressure was kept at 500 torr. The experimental results indicated that the cooperative function of current and arc pushing force of arcing process played an important role in the production rate and purity of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The uniform diameter of single-walled carbon nanotubes was about 1.27 nm and the production rate was about 7 g/h and the purity was around 70%.