Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Hydrocarbon Ion Beams

Abstract

Toward the tailored growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), CNT growth using hydrocarbon ion beams at the ion energy of 150 eV and the ion current densities of 10 ∼ 165 μA/cm2 was challenged at various growth temperatures. Fibrous protrusions with an amorphous nature grew at a low ion current density, whereas highly crystallized multi-wall CNTs were synthesized at high ion current densities. The higher the growth temperature and the ion current density, the smaller the CNT diameter. Similar to the conventional PECVD-grown CNTs, they grew via the so-called “tip-growth mode.”