Growth kinetics changes of vertically aligned carbon nanostructures syntheslsed at low substrate temperatures

Carbon nanotubes and nanofibres are typically synthesised under substrate temperatures above 600°C. Here we investigate the influence of the substrate temperature and the plasma conditions on the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanostructures using Direct Current plasma Chemical Vapour Deposition, at temperatures below 550°C. These nanostructures are produced using a C 2H2 based plasma and nickel thin film as the catalyst. We found that preferential deposition of amorphous carbon takes place as the synthesis temperature is lowered below 500°C. However, lowering the carbon concentration in the gas feedstock (