Synthesis, characterization and emission properties of single-wall nanotubes produced with Ni/Cr as catalyst

SWNT were synthesized in high yield in the presence of a Ni/Cr alloy catalyst and studied through TEM observations, Raman spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). A “sandwich” structure of the anode is used, where a Ni/Cr alloy foil of 0.1 mm in thickness is inserted longitudinally as a catalyst between two rectangular graphite anode rods. HRTEM observations show that SWNT are bound in long bundles of tens μm in length and about 10 nm in diameter. Raman spectra show the diameter of SWNT ranging between 1.2 and 1.5 nm with maximum abundance of 1.24 nm. The initial content of SWNT in the samples is about 20%. Thermal treatment of the as‐produced sample under various temperatures and dosed air supply results in a notable mass loss of the sample and change in its content. So heating up to 600 K results in 40% loss in the mass of a sample, enhancing the SWNT yield up to 35% without any notable destruction. Heating above 600K results in practically full thermal destruction of the SWNT.