Preparation of large amounts of carbon nanotubes in hydrogen atmosphere by arc-discharge

Making use of graphite as electrode, we have prepared carbon nanotubes by the direct current are-discharge method. The experimental results indicate that the carbon nanotubes are generated on the front-end surface and within the carbon accretion on the cathode. Using SEM and TEM, we find no significant difference for the shapes and the structures of the generated carbon nanotubes when the pressure and the direct are-current change. Under the pressure of hydrogen gas 11999 Pa and direct are-current 60 A, we obtain a large number of straight and long carbon nanotubes with uniform calibers.