A new understanding of carbon nanotube growth: Different functions of carbon species

Understanding the formation mechanism of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from carbon source is critical for controlled-production of CNTs. In this study, the functions of carbon species were investigated by a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with a mass spectroscope in using methane as carbon source of CNT growth in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). It was found that a negative peak of C2H2 species and a positive peak of C2H4 species appeared at the CNT growth moment. Accordingly it is deduced that the C2H2 species react on nucleation and C2H4 species react on CNT growth. This deduction is then verified by the computational chemistry results based on density functional theory (DFT). This finding clarifies the different functions of C-2 at growing moment at the first time and makes the controlling of CNT production in such a condition becomes promising. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000350373300098&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=8e1609b174ce4e31116a60747a720701Chemistry, PhysicalMaterials Science, Coatings & FilmsPhysics, AppliedPhysics, Condensed MatterSCI(E)EI0ARTICLEzhangyueling1977@hotmail.comC756-76033