SWCNT growth from C:Ni nanocomposite templates

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) grown from C:Ni nanocomposite thin film templates are studied by Raman mapping, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The templates consist of few nm thick films of Ni nanoparticles embedded in a protective matrix of amorphous carbon. They are prepared by ion beam sputtering, which allows a precise control of the particle size, shape, and arrangement in a sub nanometer length scale. SWCNT growth is performed by low pressure chemical vapour deposition in C₂H₂/ H₂ at temperatures of about 735°C. The electron micrographs show that a large part of the nanoparticles preserves its initial geometry. The effect of the different particle morphologies on the mean SWCNT diameter and diameter distribution is demonstrated and discussed in the framework of current growth models.