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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Simultaneous Synthesis of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene in a Magnetically-enhanced Arc Plasma
Published on: February 2, 2012
Tailored distribution of single-wall carbon nanotubes from arc plasma synthesis using magnetic fields
Olga Volotskova1, Jeffrey A Fagan, Ji Yeon Huh
1George Washington University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Washington, D.C. 20052, USA.
Abstract:
We report a method for tuning the distribution of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) produced by the anodic arc production method via the application of nonuniform magnetic fields to the gap region during synthesis. Raman, ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared absorbance and near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopies were used to characterize samples together with scanning electron microscopy. Application of the nonuniform magnetic field 0.2-2 kG results in a broadening of the diameter range of SWCNTs produced toward decreased diameters, with substantial fractions of produced SWCNTs being of small diameter, less than ∼1.3 nm, at the highest field. The ability to tune production of the arc production method may allow for improvement in achievable SWCNT properties.
