Module 1 : Introduction to materials

Lecture 7 : Introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology - Carbon nanotubes, fullerenes

 

The metal catalyst is formed in situ when Fe(CO)5 or Ni(CO)4 is injected into the reactor along with a stream of carbon monoxide (CO) gas at 900 to 1100°C and at a pressure of 30 to 50 atm. The reaction to make SWNTs is the disproportionation of CO by nanometer-size metal catalyst particles. Yields are claimed to be 97% pure.