Effects of FeOx, CoOx, and NiO catalysts and calcination temperatures on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes through chemical vapor deposition of methane

The oxides of cobalt, iron, and nickel catalysts were tested in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of methane in synthesizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). All catalysts used in this study were prepared using impregnation method and calcined at temperatures ranging from 300 to 850 deg. C. The catalyst samples after CVD of methane were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM study elucidates that iron oxide serves as an effective catalyst for growing SWNTs. The presence of SWNTs on the catalyst was confirmed in the Raman study.