Laser-synthesis of single-wall carbon nanotubes with time-resolved in situ diagnostics

Laser vaporization (LV) is a remarkably versatile technique for the catalytically-aided synthesis of nanomaterials, such as single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). SWNT show remarkable promise for future generations of electronics and structural materials, however their application and commercialization has been hampered by a lack of control over the synthesis process, and low production quantities. Time-resolved in situ spectroscopic investigations of the laser-vaporization SWNT-synthesis process are described which are yielding some of the first direct determinations of carbon nanotube growth mechanisms and rates necessary to evaluate strategies for controllable synthesis and large-scale production. Our measurements indicate that SWNT grow over extended annealing times during the LV process by the conversion of condensed phase nanoparticulate feedstock. These measurements were extended to grow carbon nanotubes by CO₂-laser-annealing heat treatments of carbon and metal nanoparticle mixtures, offering an alternative synthesis approach to vapor-phase methods. These results present opportunities for scaled-up production of nanomaterials compatible with commercial high-power laser technology.