Efficient CVD growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes on surfaces using carbon monoxide precursor

Single Walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were grown directly on flat substrates using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with carbon monoxide and hydrogen mixture as feeding gas. Comparing with other CVD methods, this new approach yields higher efficiency and more reproducible results in obtaining high quality SWNTs separated as individual nanotubes on substrates. Such samples can be used to fabricate nanodevices directly with no further purification or dispersion. Important factors that affect the nanotube growth and possible mechanisms are also discussed.