Synthesis of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes with metallic chirality through facet control of catalysts

Abstract

For nanotube synthesis, iron platinum (FePt) alloy particles have been prepared on a single crystalline magnesium oxide (MgO) substrate by alternate sputter deposition of FePt and MgO. Partially facetted {111}-nano particles of FePt have been epitaxially formed on the substrate and periodically exposed on the surface. The particles of FePt were half-buried between deposited MgO showed superior thermal stability and microparticulations were also achieved by optimization of film layer thickness. By using the substrates for growth of carbon nanotubes, vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (forest) have been successfully grown on the substrate containing the faceted FePt nanoparticles. Raman spectra of the forest have revealed prominent features of metallic nanotubes in the radial breathing-mode region.