Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Characterization with Resonant Raman Scattering

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are the fascinating material for their unique mechanical, physical, electrical and chemical properties based on their specially elongated fullerene structure. Macroscopic SWNTs have been generated by laser-oven techniques, arc-discharge techniques, and recently by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) techniques. Furthermore, we have developed a simple, high-quality and relatively low-temperature CCVD technique using alcohol as the carbon source. These synthesis techniques and the characterization technique by resonant Raman scattering are discussed. Finally, the formation mechanism of SWNTs is briefly discussed.