Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibres (or filaments, CNFs) and vapor-grown carbon fibres (VGCFs) are related
materials that can be obtained by pyrolysis of hydrocarbons in the presence of suitable catalysts. The common origins
of these carbon nanostructures were discussed in a recent NATO ASI [Carbon Filaments and Nanotubes: Common
Origins, Differing Applications? Eds. L.P.Biró, C.A.Bernardo, G.G.Tibbetts, Ph.Lambin, Kluwer Academic Publishers,
Dordrecht, 2001].
CNTs are revolutionary new materials that have unique properties. They can be thought of as rolled graphite tubes, with
diameters ranging from 0.8 to 300 nm. They have very high tensile strength and modulus, and can function either as a
conductor or as a semi-conductor, depending on their structure. The potential for applications of these materials in the
Nanotechnology field is enormous.
At LCM, we have a long time involvement in the area of carbon nanofibers and related nanostructures by catalytic
chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). As an example, we will show a short movie (courtesy of Dr. Terry Baker)
highlighting the growth of carbon nanofibers using Controlled Atmosphere Electron Microscopy, as well as examples
(SEM micrographs) of related materials obtained in our laboratory over the years.
More recently, we have studied the production and characterization of CNTs and CNFs by CCVD in order to: a)
identify the operating conditions which favour the formation of each form of tubular carbon (filaments vs nanotubes);
b) optimize the production of each type of structure; c) study the application of these materials in catalysis.
The expertise of LCM in this field is a valuable asset that we intend to use in novel projects in this area and in the
proposed network on “Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies at the UP”. Some of our most recent publications in these
topics are listed below
