Supramolecular catalysts for the gas-phase synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Reversed micelles containing metallic ions are used as precursors of novel catalysts for the gas-phase synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and the results of screening study on catalytic behavior of Fe-Mo binary catalysts are reported. The results suggested that the catalytic ability is closely related to the strain of the crystal structure of Fe-Mo catalysts formed in the reaction and/or the phase transition caused by dissolution of the Mo atoms.