Carbon Nanotubes: An Example of Multiscale Development—A Mechanistic View from the Subnanometer to the Meter Scale

We summarize the catalytic synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The current understanding of the reaction mechanism is presented, in particular the catalyst design for the CCVD process is analyzed. To complement that, kinetics and reaction engineering aspects are discussed along with the impact of the reaction and reactor operation on the product properties. All these issues are analyzed from the perspective of the industrial synthesis and implications for the application of carbon nanotubes. Carbon-nanotube technology is a perfect example of multi-scale development and covers challenges from the nanometer to the meter scale. Problems, methods, and solutions characteristic for different scales will be highlighted. The Co/Mn catalyst is used as reference as one of the first commercially used technologies for the scalable production of multiwall carbon nanotubes.