Liquid as a required catalyst phase for carbon single-walled nanotube growth

The evolution of the iron catalyst during carbon single-walled nanotube growth is studied using calorimetry, temperature-programmed oxidation and Raman measurements. Carbon-induced solid-liquid, and solid-liquid-solid phase transitions of the nanocatalyst during the synthesis were observed. We found that liquid phase is favored for the growth of nanotubes, while the solidification of the catalyst nearly terminates the growth. No growth was observed below the eutectic point, when the catalyst is in solid phase. Our results support a growth mechanism of single-walled carbon nanotubes on liquid catalyst particles.