Precise Catalyst Production for Carbon Nanotube Synthesis with Targeted Structure Enrichment

Catalysts

Brian Graves¹  Michael De Volder¹  Adam Boies¹  Ying Deng¹  Xiao Zhang¹ 

[1] Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK;

关键词: carbon nanotube;    catalyst;    alloy;    nanoparticle;    electrospray;   

DOI  :  10.3390/catal10091087

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The direct growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a narrow distribution of diameter or chirality remains elusive despite significant benefits in properties and applications. Nanoparticle catalysts are vital for SWCNT synthesis, but how to precisely manipulate their chemistry, size, concentration, and deposition remains difficult, especially within a continuous production process from the gas phase. Here, we demonstrate the preparation of W₆Co₇ alloyed nanoparticle catalysts with precisely tunable stoichiometry using electrospray, which remain solid state during SWCNT growth. We also demonstrate continuous production of liquid iron nanoparticles with in-line size selection. With the precise size manipulation of catalysts in the range of 1–5 nm, and a nearly monodisperse distribution (σ_g < 1.2), an excellent size selection of SWCNTs can be achieved. All of the presented techniques show great potential to facilitate the realization of single-chirality SWCNTs production.

【 授权许可】

Unknown