Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Growing Radially from Ni Fine Particles Formed by Arc Evaporation

Abstract

DC arc evaporation of nickel-graphite composite in helium atmosphere produces single-wall (SW) nanotubes. Electron microscopy examination of carbonaceous soot synthesized by this method revealed that the SW tubes grew radially from ultrafine nickel particles, and that they were found exclusively in soot material formed on the surface of a sluglike deposit grown on the end of a cathode.