Diameter Control in the Formation of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been synthesized by laser ablation of Ni/Co catalyzed graphite target at 1200°C in argon gas. Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the effect of target position in the furnace and flow rate of argon gas on the diameter distribution of SWVNTs. It was found that yield of smaller diameter SWNTs relatively increases as target is placed away from the hot zone of the furnace. The relative yield of smaller diameter SWNTs decreases with increase in flow rate of the argon gas.