CVD synthesis of MWCNTs using Fe catalyst

摘要

Purpose: The primary aim of the article is to present the method of chemical vapour deposition (CVD) employed for fabrication of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of a catalyst. The basic growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes are described and the nanostructural carbon materials are presented and characterised, obtained using the CVD method and an Fe catalyst deposited on a silicon substrate.Design/methodology/approach: Scanning and transmission electron microscopy was applied for illustrating the structure and morphology of the synthesised multi-walled carbon nanotubes.Findings: The microscopic examinations conducted with scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have confirmed the achievement of an ordered layer of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on a silicon substrate containing an Fe catalyst.Practical implications: Carbon nanotubes, due to their unique properties, can be applied in various fields of technology, especially in medicine, optics, photovoltaics and electronic engineering. CNTs are also utilised as an active layer of chemical and biochemical sensors, especially when their outer surface is decorated with nanoparticies of precious metals. Carbon nanotubes are also used as a reinforcing phase in nanocomposite materials.Originality/value: The characterisation of the chemical vapour deposition method used for synthesis of multi-walled nanotubes with a metallic catalyst with application of the EasyTube? 2000 device by FirstNano.