Carbon nanofibers and single-walled carbon nanotubes prepared by the floating catalyst method

Abstract

High quality, uniform diameter and rather straight carbon nanofibers with diameter ∼10 nm were produced by the floating catalyst method. We also obtained single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by this method. The products were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and Resonant Raman scattering. Various experimental parameters that have evident influence on growth of the carbon nanofibers, such as sulfur additive, reaction temperature, and hydrogen flow rate, were investigated, and their effects are discussed.