Synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes with the laser vaporization method:Ex situ andin situ measurements

In situ measurements were executed in the continuous wave CO 2 -laser vaporization synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The results were compared with the findings of the ex situ analysis of the product. Different catalysts (Co, Ni, Co/Ni, Ni/Y and Co/Y) were used and the temperature of the target surface (T s ) changed to compare the efficiency of the synthesis process. Our main results are related to the SWCNTs diameter which is depending on T, and on the catalysts nature. The targets containing Y with Co or Ni atoms produce more and larger SWCNTs than Co/Ni targets. The SWCNTs' diameter is seen to increase with T s .