Neha Awasthi

Reduced Carbon Solubility in Fe Nanoclusters and Implications for the Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Fe nanoclusters are becoming the standard catalysts for growing single-walled carbon nanotubes via chemical vapor decomposition. Contrary to the Gibbs-Thompson model, we find that the reduction of the catalyst size requires an increase of the minimum temperature necessary for the growth. We address this phenomenon in terms of solubility of C in Fe nanoclusters and, by using first-principles calculations, we devise a simple model to predict the behavior of the phases competing for stability in Fe-C nanoclusters at low temperature. We show that, as a function of particle size, there are three scenarios compatible with steady state growth, limited growth, and no growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes, corresponding to unaffected, reduced, and no solubility of C in the particles.

Hidden features of the catalyst nanoparticles favorable for single-walled carbon nanotube growth

Combining in situ studies of the catalyst activity during single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) growth by mass spectrometry with differential scanning calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy results, the authors expose the favorable features of small catalyst for SWCNT growth and their relationship with synthesis parameters. The sequential introduction of C12 and C13 labeled hydrocarbon reveals the influence of catalyst composition on its lifetime and the growth termination path. Ab initio and molecular dynamics simulations corroborate “V”-shape liquidus line of metal-carbon nanoparticle binary phase diagram, which explains observed carbon-induced solid-liquid-solid phase transitions during nanotube growth.

Influence of Mo on the Fe:Mo:C nanocatalyst thermodynamics for singlewalled carbon nanotube growth

Influence of Mo on the Fe:Mo:C nanocatalyst thermodynamics for singlewalled carbon nanotube growth