Theoretical Study of Effective Parameters in Catalytic Growth of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

In this article, an atomic model is used to study the carbon nanotube growth process in the catalytic chemical vapor deposition. The “rate of carbon production” conception is used to explain the feedstock decomposition and carbon diffusion in the catalyst. Some of the parameters, including carbon feedstock, catalyst particle, and growth temperature are the main effective parameters in the decomposition process and carbon diffusion. So the effect of the type and the diameter of the catalyst, the temperature of the growth environment, and the type and flow rate of the carbon feedstock, are assumed in the growth process analysis. On the other hand, these parameters affect the useful life time of the catalyst, the time during which the catalyst could decompose carbon feedstock and products carbon atoms. Theoretical results are compared with experimental results, and a good agreement is obtained. This theory is completed by optimization of the effective parameters in the growth process.