Formation of single-wall carbon nanotubes by laser ablation of fullerenes at low temperature

Laser ablation products from fullerene materials have been studied by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Using nickel and cobalt as a catalyst, single-wall carbon nanotubes were produced at an ambient temperature of 400 °C. The results were compared with those using graphite as starting materials. It is suggested that the formation of single-wall carbon nanotubes is controlled by both the availability of proper precursors and the activity of the metal catalyst.