Nanoscience Instruments launches benchtop carbon nanotube synthesiser

7 Jan 2011

Nanoscience Instruments, a distributor of nanotechnology instrumentation and supplies, has launched a new benchtop carbon nanotube synthesis device.

The Nanotech Innovations SSP-354 is a low-cost system for producing high-quality, multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The device uses an injection CVD process developed at NASA and is integrated into an instrument small enough to fit in a fume hood. The system can produce research-quality, multi-wall carbon nanotubes within a few hours.

The SSP-354 CNT system was designed with both affordability and ease of use in mind. The user injects Nanotech Innovations' organometallic precursor solution into a two-zone furnace where iron catalyst particles are formed.

The SSP-354 Carbon nanotube furnace

Once growth is catalyzed, the nanotubes form on the surface of a quartz process tube, which is later removed to collect the material. The nanotubes average 50 nm in diameter and can be anywhere from several micrometers to a few hundred micrometers in length, depending on operating parameters.

Because the innovative design eliminates many of the steps normally required in producing CNTs, the system is ideal for educational environments where students may be trained to both produce and characterize carbon nanotubes.

“The SSP-354 CNT system is a great complement to our easy to use AFMs” says Mark Flowers, director at Nanoscience Instruments. “We can now provide simple and cost-effective nanomaterial fabrication along with our line of characterization tools.”