Ni-W-P Catalyzed Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on SiC Whiskers

Ni-W-P nanoislands deposited on the surface of semiconducting SiC whiskers were investigated on its role in a catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes during thermal pyrolysis of acetylene. Experimental results indicated that a large quantity of carbon nanotubes formed although complex chemical reactions among the transition metals (Ni and W), SiC and carbon source had occurred to yield nickel silicides and tungsten carbide (WC). Multi-element catalytic growth of carbon nanostructures was found with the Ni-W-P catalyst. Favorable heterostructures made up of carbon nanotube/ semiconducting SiC whisker are expected.