Catalytic production of carbon nanotubes by vapor phase growth method using tungsten-containing organic compound

We report the production of carbon nanotubes of high purity by a vapor phase growth method using a catalytic reaction of a tungsten-containing organic compound (C₁₄H₁₀O₇W) and acetylene mixture. The products were multi-walled carbon nanotubes with hollow cores. Transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed that the graphitic layers at the inner region were highly crystallized but the graphitic layers at the outer region had a wavy structure. We have demonstrated the effective production of carbon nanotubes using a tungsten-based catalyst.