Characteristics of Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized from Methane and Acetylene in the Presence of a FeCl3 Catalyst

The structures of carbon nanotubes synthesized by catalytic CVD in the same reactor using different carbon-containing precursors and a FeCl3 catalyst have been compared. Methane and acetylene were applied as carbon-containing precursors. Iron chloride has been applied on silicon substrates by drying a drop of its water solution on the silicon surface. The influence of temperature and pressure variations on the synthesis process has been studied. Obtained samples have been examined by the methods of scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. A nonlinear relationship between synthesis temperature and defect concentration in synthesized carbon nanotubes has been found. The influence of the type of carbon-containing precursor on the carbon nanotube morphology has been demonstrated.