Preparation of carbon nanotubes using FeCl_3 as the catalyst precursor

In this present study, high quality and clean carbon nanotubes were synthesized by the floating-based new method taking FeCl_3 as the catalyst precursor. This new method combined the merits of the floating catalyst method and the based method. The influence on diameter and defects of carbon nanotubes owing to the different H_2 pre-reduction time of deposited Fe cluster was discussed. The pre-treatment of H_2 could thin the size of catalysts and reduce the defects in CNTs. This floating-based method with FeCl_3 as the catalyst precursor is a promising method for cheap and mass growth of carbon nanotubes.