Abstract
The influence of starting carbon material on the generation of carbon nanotubes is investigated. Comparisons are made between oriented graphite, randomly oriented graphite, carbon black, and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon as carbon sources in helium and hydrogen arcs. Transmission electron microscopy investigation of the redeposited rod formed on the cathode and the soot from the chamber walls provides evidence for the building blocks that lead to the nanostructures formed. It is postulated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are precursors for carbon nanotube growth in a hydrogen arc. While, in the case of helium, low molecular weight carbon ions and molecules have been previously hypothesized by others to be the building blocks for nanotube growth.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1536-1544 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Materials Research |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering