AVS 51st International Symposium
    Nanometer-scale Science and Technology Tuesday Sessions
       Session NS-TuM

Paper NS-TuM10
Synthesis of Y-Junction Singlewall Carbon Nanotubes

Tuesday, November 16, 2004, 11:20 am, Room 213D

Session: Nanotube Processing and Composite Materials
Presenter: Y.C. Choi, Florida International University
Authors: Y.C. Choi, Florida International University
W. Choi, Florida International University
Correspondent: Click to Email
Y-junction singlewall carbon nanotubes were synthesized on thermally oxidized silicon substrates by chemical vapor deposition. Molybdenum, titanium, or zirconium-doped iron nanoparticles supported by aluminum oxide were used as catalysts for the synthesis. Most of singlewall carbon nanotubes have branches, forming Y-junctions. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of singlewalled structures of Y-junctions with diameters ranging from 2 nm to 4 nm. The density of Y-junctions could be controlled simply by variation of spinning rate when spin coating of catalyst soultion was carried out. It was found from radial breathing mode peaks in Raman spectra that our sample has both metallic and semiconducting nanotubes, indicating the possible formation of Y-junctions with different electrical properties. The growth mechanism based on experimental results will be further proposed.