Preparation of single-walled nanotubes with the help of a Ni/Cr-based catalyst

The high-yield synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is carried out in an electric-arc discharge using the Ni-Cr alloy as a catalyst. A new method of introducing the catalyst into the plasma hot region is used in the synthesis. In this method, the anode with a sandwich structure consists of two longitudinal graphite rods of a rectangular cross section, between which the Ni-Cr alloy in the form of a foil having a thickness approximately equal to 0.2 mm is placed. The obtained samples are investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. According to the results of TEM observations, SWNTs are tied into bundles with a length of several micrometers and a diameter of about 10 nm. The Raman spectra indicate that the diameter distribution of SWNTs lies between 1.2 and 1.5 nm with a peak at approximately 1.24 nm. The SWNT content in the obtained samples is approximately 20%. Heat treatment at various temperatures with a dosed air supply leads to a noticeable mass loss of the sample and to a change in its composition. For example, thus heating to 600 K causes a mass loss of about 40%, leading to an increase in the content of SWNTs up to 35% without their noticeable destruction. Further heating above 600 K leads to a virtually complete thermal decomposition of SWNTs.