In situ optical emission study on the role of C2 in the synthesis of singlewalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are unique one-dimensional nanostructure with extraordinary electronic, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties. These properties make SWCNTs suitable materials for a wide range of advanced technological applications. In this study, the authors have applied in situ optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to study the plasma in the laser-furnace method to synthesize SWCNTs. In particular, the authors have investigated the temporal and spatial behavior of C2 as well as the electron density and electron temperature. In addition, synthesized materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. With these results the authors reveal the first experimental evidence for the early nucleation and rapid growth of SWCNTs