Abstract

The catalytic growth of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on carbon paper is reported. The study employed three cobalt carbonyl clusters as catalyst precursors. These were deposited on graphitic paper prior to chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of methane or ethylene. The clusters show differentiated growth behaviour in accordance with precursor size, and with Co2(CO)8 displaying additional activity in the growth of helical nanotube structures. We therefore report an approach for the decoration of graphitic papers with carbon nanotubes with a view to the production of high area supports.

Keywords: Molecular catalyst precursors, cluster seed size, nanotube growth, molecular cobalt clusters, varying nuclearities, seed size control, carbon nanotube growth catalysts, control of morphology and yield