Abstract
The complexity of the catalyst's actual role and properties, along with the numerous synthesis parameters for the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), has hindered the efforts to understand the formation of this fascinating material. In this manuscript, we review and discuss the data regarding the properties and peculiarities of a wide variety of catalyst nanoparticles available in the scientific literature, in order to reveal common features that are favorable for SWCNTs growth. A special effort is made to show the influence of the support material on the thermodynamic properties of the catalyst and, thereby, on the growth path of the nanotubes. This review is an attempt to help guide the catalyst search for SWCNT growth.
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