Carbon nanotube synthesis in atmospheric pressure glow discharge: a review

Nozaki, T. (Dept of Mech. & Control Eng., Tokyo Inst. of Technol., Tokyo, Japan); Okazaki, K.

Source: Plasma Processes and Polymers, v 5, n 4, 13 June 2008, 49-70

ISSN: 1612-8850

Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, Germany

Abstract: This review presents recent developments of formation techniques related to atmospheric pressure glow discharge. The description specifically emphasizes their application to carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis based on our recent work. High-purity vertically aligned single-walled CNTs are producible only when an atmospheric pressure glow discharge is applied: even moderate pressure such as 20 kPa preferentially synthesizes multi-walled CNTs. Lower operating pressures are known to produce carbon nanofibers exclusively. A tentative reaction mechanism is discussed based on plasma-induced substrate heating and on-line gas analysis in the plasma sheath. Finally, concluding and prospective remarks are presented briefly. (68 refs.)

 terms:  carbon nanotubes  -  glow discharges  -  plasma materials processing  -  plasma sheaths