Understanding and Control of the Structure of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Produced in Laser Plasma

The exceptional properties of carbon nanotubes that have prompted potential applications rely on their atomic structure. While the sensitivity of nanotube properties on structural features has been extensively investigated through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, in practice there is no still effective control of the atomic structure of nanotubes in any of the current synthesis techniques. Actually, there has no even a reliable method to characterize the atomic structure of carbon nanotubes with high precision. Xintek, Inc. has pioneered the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of carbon nanotubes with unique and tunable properties for field-induced electron emission applications through development of a new generation of metallic catalysts. In Phase I of this project, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we will investigate the effectiveness of the Xintek catalysts in the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes using laser evaporation. Specifically, we will (a) Study the functions of the CVD effective catalyst in laser evaporation for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes; (b) Determine and map the atomic structure (diameter and chirality) of the produced nanotubes in correlation with synthesis condictions; and (c) Gain insights on the possible control in the atomic structure of carbon nanotubes produced in laser plasma for controllable and large-scale production.