NUE 2003-2004

Public

Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition of Carbon Nanotubes

Multiwalled Nanotubes - Tip Growth Model

Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition: The growth species is generated by dissociative adsorption of hydrocarbon on catalyst surface. Nanotubes are formed via the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) mechanism.

• Substrate with catalyst thin film
• Substrate pretreatment induces formation of nanoparticle catalyst
• Catalyst surface melting on a high temperature substrate. We propose a solid core model.
• Adsorption of hydrocarbon molecules (C₂H₂ in this case) on the catalyst surface.
• Dissociation of H atoms from the hydrocarbon molecules (dissociative adsorption).
• Diffusion of carbon into the catalyst and readsorption of the hydrocarbon on the catalyst surface.
• Saturation of carbon in catalyst particle.
• Segregation of carbon to form carbon nanotubes.
• No segregation directly under the core. A hollow nanotube is formed.

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About This Animation

Investigator:

Dr. Yoke Khin Yap

Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan

Animator:

Dr. Susan E. Hill

Animation Usage

1. MTU Open House 2004-2005
   Demonstrations by Dr. Yoke Khin Yap in the Materials Physics and Laser Physics Laboratory were given for visiting high school students and their families during the fall 2005 and 2006 MTU Open House departmental tours. The animation was shown on the lab computer to over 50 families each time.
2. Fundamentals of Nanoscale Science and Engineering - Spring 2004
   "Carbon Nanotubes: Growth, Properties, Applications and Challenges"
   The March 15, 2004 lecture was presented by Dr. Yoke Khin Yap for undergraduate students of various majors at Michigan Tech.
3. ENG 1101 Exploration: Exploring Nanoscale Science & Technology Through Carbon Nanotubes
   Demonstrations by Dr. Yoke Khin Yap in the Materials Physics and Laser Physics Laboratory were given for Engineering Exploration undergraduate students at Michigan Tech. The animation was shown to the student group on the lab computer for explorations on September 24 and October 1, 2003, and March 10, October 19, and October 28, 2004.
4. Used in the Multimedia Gallery for the MTU Physics Yap Group.

© 2004 Michigan Technological University