Since its invention in 1991, premixed combustion synthesis of fullerenic materials has been established as the major industrial process for manufacturing of these materials. Large-scale production of fullerenes such as C60, C70 and C84 has been implemented.
More recently, combustion technology has been extended to the targeted synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Addition of catalyst precursor and operation at well-controlled fuel-rich but non-sooting conditions are required. Extensive parametric studies have allowed for the optimization
of the formation of high-quality SWCNT. Purification techniques previously reported in the literature have been adjusted and used successfully for the nearly complete removal of metal and metal oxide. Material has been characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Correlations between process conditions and nanotube properties such as length have been established. Product reproducibility
and process scalability of the combustion process have been demonstrated. Sample preparation was found to affect significantly the apparent characteristics of nanotubes as seen in electron microscopy images.
Carbon Nanotubes: In Situ Monitoring the Role of Working Metal Catalyst Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Purity Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (Adv. Funct. Mater. 40/2013)
