Synthesis of Brushlike Carbon Nanotubes Using Wet-Processed Catalyst

Abstract

For a large-scale process of synthesizing vertically aligned (brushlike) multiwalled carbon nanotubes using a thermal catalyst chemical vapor deposition process, a wet process for coating Fe catalyst onto a substrate has been investigated. Dimethylformamide was used for dissolving Fe(NO3)3 to form uniform films of Fe catalyst, and hence to synthesize uniform brushlike nanotubes on 6-in. Si substrates. The advantages of amine series solvent are discussed in terms of solubility in water and formation of Fe complexes.