Lecture 7 : Introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology - Carbon nanotubes, fullerenes
Advantages
Control over growth
By tailoring the Ar:He gas ratio, the diameter of the SWNTs formed can be controlled, with greater Ar yielding smaller diameters.
The anode–cathode distance can be changed to vary the strength of the plasma formed in between.
Several metal catalyst compositions can be used ,currently Y:Ni mixture is used which shows yield up to 90% SWNT with an average diameter of 1.2 to 1.4 nm
b. Both SWNTs and MWNTs made from this process and the process is relatively cheaper.
Disadvantages
Many side products are formed along with the SWNTs and MWNTs