Effects of process parameters on the growth of aligned carbon nanotubes
Journal
Chung Cheng Ling Hsueh Pao/Journal of Chung Cheng Institute of Technology
Journal Volume
30
Journal Issue
1
Pages
105-114
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
The aligned carbon nanotube plays a very important role in its application as a field emission source or in other one-dimensional nano devices. In the present research, aligned carbon nanotubes were synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition using acetylene as the source gas and iron as the catalyst. The overall appearance and nature of the aligned carbon nanotube are affected by different variables in the process such as the concentration of the catalyst, the operation temperature, the flow rate of the carrier or reaction gas, the reaction time, the pre-treatment, et cetera. Microstructural analyses were done by atomic force microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. Growth of aligned carbon nanotube with optimal microstructure was observed when the catalyst concentration was controlled at 0.02M, temperature at 775 degrees Celsius, acetylene flow rate at 2.5 seem, and a reaction time at 5 minutes.
Subjects
Aligned carbon nanotube;Atomic force microscope;Scanning electron microscope
Type
journal article