Heat-driven size manipulation of Fe catalytic nanoparticles for precise control of single-walled carbon nanotube diameter

Size-tailored Fe catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by a heat-driven evaporation process, and precise control of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) diameter was achieved. The size and surface concentration of Fe NPs significantly decreased with increasing evaporation temperature, which was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TEM and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the synthesis of SWCNTs with an extremely narrow diameter distribution was achieved and their diameter can be manipulated by evaporation temperature. This diameter-controlled growth of SWCNTs is a step towards SWCNT-based applications. (paper)