The growth and structure of CNTs dependent on the catalysts using thermal CVD

We have investigated the catalyst effect on the growth and structure of CNTs using thermal chemical vapor deposition. The respective growth rate of CNTs shows that the performance of catalysts is in the order of nickel (Ni)>cobalt (Co)>iron (Fe). The average diameter of CNTs follows the sequence of Fe, Co, and Ni catalysts. The structure of CNTs reveals almost same morphology regardless of catalyst but the crystallinity of CNTs is largely dependent on catalyst. The crystallinity of CNTs synthesized from Fe catalyst is higher than that from Ni or Co catalyst. We demonstrate that the growth rate, the diameter, and the crystallinity of CNTs can be manipulated by selecting the catalysts.