High yield formation of carbon nanotubes using arc discharge assisted with a nitrogen jet

Abstract

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are of significant research interest due to their significant electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical and thermal properties. This enables CNT to be used in advanced bio-medical, electronics and materials technological applications. CNTs can be synthesized by various methods such as Arc-discharge, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Laser ablation etc. Still challenge exists when it comes to the yield. In general CNTs are commercially synthesized by Arc-discharge and CVD techniques. In both the cases the defect intensity differs according to the atmosphere which prevails in the production chamber. In the case of CVD the defect intensity is mainly due to pentagons of carbon, which cause curved faces whereas in the case of arc discharge, broken bonds can result at the surfaces.

In general, the production of CNTs requires the presence of a controlled atmosphere inside the reaction chamber. Recent research has shown that CNTs can also be produced in open atmosphere but with a significant reduction in the yield. In the present work, a jet of nitrogen gas is applied between the arcing interfaces. As a consequence there is a significant change in the yield and defect density. Characterization techniques such as XRD, FEG-SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy confirm the same.