A simple method to form a forest of carbon nanotube bundles during growth stage

Abstract

Abstract This study reports a novel, cost-effective and reproducible method of densifying carbon nanotubes into bundles during growth stage. This is achieved by utilizing Fe3O4 catalyst nanoparticles and microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The grown CNTs were characterized using TEM, SEM and Raman spectrometer. The achieved site density of bundles is 5 × 109 m–2, with an inter-bundle distance of 14 μm and bundle height of 17 μm. A qualitative investigation was carried out, and a possible densification mechanism was proposed. Article Highlights A cost-effective method to form bundles of carbon nanotubes. Densification of carbon nanotubes occurs during growth stage. The resultant structures are desirable for electron field emission applications.