Select Pathways to Carbon Nanotube Film Growth

Abstract

Control of the morphology of carbon nanotube films on substrates (e.g., silica) is achieved by regulating the catalyst concentration in the vapor phase during nanotube growth by catalytic chemical vapor deposition. Nucleation and growth of domains leads to either two-dimensional faceted crystallites (see Figure for an early-stage array) or radially symmetric spherulites (see cover).