On the mechanism of carbon nanotube formation: I. The thermodynamics of formation of carbon molten drops in a metallic catalyst

Carbon molten drops in a metallic catalyst are known to be nucleation centers for carbon nanotubes. The problem of the kinetics of condensation of such drops in wide concentration ranges of carbon and metal vapors is considered. The equilibrium distribution of the drops over the size and mole fraction of the components is obtained. The main result is the calculation of the quasi-steady-state rate of condensation of the molten drops in a supersaturated carbon vapor. This result forms the basis for the calculation of the characteristics of explosive and rapid condensation of the vapor upon its cooling. This calculation is performed in the next part of this work.