Investigation on carbon nanotube growth using one-pulse discharge with shield

Abstract

In contrast to earlier micro-electro discharge and typical carbon nanotube preparation methods, the one-pulse discharge method can be used to prepare carbon nanotubes on graphite by using a peak current (I_p = 2.5 A) and a pulse duration (τ=1400µs) under an atmospheric environment without requiring high peak current. In this study, the one-pulse discharge system and electrode shield were used to prepare carbon nanotubes. The effect of the processing parameters, including the applied peak current and pulse duration, were investigated. The results show that for I_p = 2.5 A, τ = 1400 µs and with an electrode shield, the mass and high density carbon nanotubes grew on the discharge point. Furthermore, a reduced peak current and discharge point size are more efficient than a high peak current without an electrode shield.