Synthesis of large quantity single-walled carbon nanotubes by arc discharge

We report on a new method to prepare large quantity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with high purity. Using a Y-Ni powder composite graphite rod as an anode, at a given angle with the high-purity graphite cathode rod, a cloth-like deposit can be obtained by dc arc discharge in helium at high temperature, which contains about 60% SWCNTs. In this way, we can obtain a deposit of more than one gram in ten minutes. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman scattering have been used to observe the structure and morphology of the SWCNTs.