Effect of phosphors on yield and diameter of single-walled carbon nanotubes by the floating calalyst method

The synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs)by floating catalyst method,using phos- phorus as promoter,was investigated.It was found that the addition of phosphorus promoter could greatly pro- mote the yield of SWNTs.The morphology,structure of SWNTs were characterized by scanning electron mi- croscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and Raman spectroscopy.It was concluded from the characterization that the Yarmulke cap model was operative in the growth of SWNTs,and phosphorus could en- hance effectively the catalysis of iron nanopaticte,nucleation of Yarmulke cap and promote the growth of rela- tively smaller-diameter SWNTs.