Cold-wall CVD carbon nanotube synthesis on porous alumina substrates

Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using ethanol vapor as carbon source. Catalysts were Co and Mo metallic particles obtained from the corresponding acetates dissolved in ethanol. Acetate solutions are deposited on porous alumina substrates by dip coating. A dense array of aligned carbon nanotubes perpendicular to the substrate surface grow with 20 min exposure to ethanol vapor flow for substrate temperatures between 650 and 830 °C. Sample analysis is performed with scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.