Real-time monitoring of SWNT nucleation and growth in laser oven reactor

An innovative and highly patented Ion Mobility orthogonal Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (IM-oTOF MS) will characterize SWNT (single wall nanotube) growth in a laser oven reactor. Time evolution of the size distributions of carbon and metal catalyst cluster growth (either free or attached to nanotubes) as well as the ratio of cluster to tubular carbon forms will be measured both within the plasma desorption region as well as downstream in the reactor. In Phase I we will use our spectrometer to monitor the ions directly desorbed or formed in the region above the laser ablation target from those downstream in the reactor. Double laser operation, as well as ionization techniques will be incorporated in Phase II for recording the time and spatial distribution of neutral reactants. Real-time characterization of size (by mass spectrometry) and shape (by ion mobility) of reactants and products will provide invaluable analytical information for the growth mechanism understanding and allow for desirable optimization of reactor conditions.