Low-Cost Spray Method for the Controllable Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Substrates

Abstract

Fabrication of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was achieved on a substrate by using a simple and versatile spray method to deposit the catalyst. A large area of uniform SWNTs was produced directly on the surface of a Si substrate without a buffer layer by using a 0.005 M bimetallic Fe-Mo catalyst solution. In particular, the specific Fe-Mo mole ratio of 1:10 suppressed catalyst agglomeration and prevented the Fe metal from sintering onto the Si substrate at a high temperature (800 degrees C).