_process section (discharge) for electrical nanotubes

A final summary of the topic Electric arc discharge in the production of electronic carbon nanotubes

Researcher and author: Dr. Afshin Rashid



Note: In the science of nanoelectronics, the electric arc method was used to produce carbon nanotubes. In this method, an almost low voltage source is used to create a spark between two electrodes. The transition metal catalyst is added to the graphite anode in order to accelerate the production of carbon nanotubes. 

The catalyst can be mixed with the graphite anode in two ways:

1- adding a mixture of catalyst and graphite powder in the coaxial holes in the anode; 

2- homogeneous mixing of the catalyst in the graphite anode.

During the creation of a spark, a large electric current (between 51 and 001) ampere passes through two electrodes that are approximately one millimeter apart in the chamber  Then the carbon nanotubes are collected on the cathode along with the by-products produced. The control of this method is difficult due to its high temperature (about 3011 K). Also, to implement this method, The environment around the device is empty and at a low pressure between 001 and 301 Torr. This process, like laser wear, is in an inert gas environment (usually helium or argon). 4> is done. The role of gas in this process is to stabilize the electric spark, which leads to the provision of deposition conditions. Stability  electric arc and applied current intensity are factors affecting the production efficiency of carbon nanotubes with this method.  Among the disadvantages of this method, we can mention its high cost, high heat intensity and the production of unwanted by-products such as graphite particles. The nanotubes produced in this way are highly rope-shaped and multi-walled. 

In nanoelectronics, liquid nitrogen environment was used to produce carbon nanotubes by electric arc method. The liquid environment leads to the creation of an oxygen-free environment for the reaction and cooling of the products. Therefore, by using a liquid environment, this method becomes cheaper and affordable. 



Note: Carbon nanotubes are used in the production of nanotransistors in the science of nanoelectronics, and nanotransistors play a key role in the production of nanochips.

In nanoelectronics, single-walled carbon nanotubes are produced instead of multiple walls. Its efficiency depends on the type of metal catalyst. The diameter of these nanotubes is between 5 and 01 nm and their length grows to hundreds of micrometers. It is worth noting that the ends of all single-walled nanotubes are completely closed with a hemispherical cap. Single-walled carbon nanotubes produced by this method are purer than nanotubes produced by other methods. 



Conclusion : 

Electronic storage capability (superconductivity) in carbon nanotubes and graphene particles  has made nanotubes an ideal choice for many applications. Especially carbon nanotubes, their use is concentrated in making tools, and they will have the possibility of making very wide industrial tools. /span> 

Researcher and author: Dr. Afshin Rashid

Specialized doctorate in nano-microelectronics