A series of silica supported Co-Re catalysts was prepared and used as catalysts for the
synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by carbon monoxide disproportionation at
750 – 950 °C. The characterization of catalysts suggests that good quality of SWNT was obtained
from partially reduced and completely reduced cobalt-rhenium oxide. The carbon products were
characterized by Raman spectroscopy, temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) and transmission
electron microscope (TEM). The effects of reaction parameters such as molar ratio of Co to Re,
reduction temperature, and reaction temperature were investigated. It was found the the synergism
of Co and Re in the catalytic production of SWNT leads to high selectivity of SWNT.
