Synthesis of Stepped Carbon Nanotubes in Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates

Abstract

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) with pores of various diameter, density, and thickness values was obtained through control of the anodization parameters including voltage, temperature, pore widening time, anodization time, etc. The pore diameter was controlled by a pore widening in an etchant, and alumina templates having stepped nano-channels were fabricated by repetition of anodization and pore widening processes. Stepped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were then grown on the stepped AAO templates by pyrolysis of acetylene without using the catalyst. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed that CNTs have a multi-wall structure made of graphite flakes of several nm sizes. The current-voltage characteristic of the sloped and linear CNTs were also examined.