Rational Synthesis of Helically Coiled Carbon Nanowires and Nanotubes through the Use of Tin and Indium Catalysts

Abstract

The synthesis of helically coiled nanotubes and nanowires through the use of In and Sn catalysts, respectively, in a floating-catalyst-based CVD process, is demonstrated. The figure is a scanning electron microscopy image of helically coiled carbon nanowires prepared from a thermal decomposition of xylene and acetylene in the presence of Fe–Sn catalyst particles. The bright spot at the tip of each nanowire represents the catalyst particle.