Production of carbon nanotubes:: the light approach

In this article we present an overview about the current state of the art using highly concentrated light in the production process of carbon nanotubes. Firstly, the most common approaches using laser light or solar radiation are described and their production possibilities are compared. Secondly, important growth parameters and their complex interactions are discussed. It is shown that a key issue in the production of nanotubes is the creation of the proper temperature conditions. This concerns the temperature of both the target surface and the gas-phase. While the first controls the number and kinetics of evaporated species, the second affects the assembling of nanotubes in the gas-phase. Thirdly, the problem of obtaining high-quality nanotube materials in an up-scaled production process is addressed. Here, a solution may be related to the finding of advantageous light-target interactions. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.