Carbon arc plasma as a source of nanotubes: emission spectroscopy and formation mechanism

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2003 Feb-Apr;3(1-2):51-62. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2003.191.

Abstract

Diagnostics of carbon arc plasma by optical emission spectroscopy during the synthesis of carbon nanotubes is reviewed. Spatial distributions of temperature and C2 radicals in different plasmas are presented. The influence of gas pressure, anode composition, and reaction environment is discussed. Mechanisms of carbon nanotube formation are reviewed, with an emphasis on surface diffusion processes and catalytic effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Crystallography / methods
  • Diffusion
  • Gases / chemistry*
  • Graphite / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / classification
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / isolation & purification*
  • Particle Size
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gases
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Solutions
  • Carbon
  • Graphite