Carbon nanotube growth on metallic substrate using vapor phase catalyst delivery

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have captured the attention of materials scientists and technologists due to their unique one-dimensional structure by virtue of which they acquire superior electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Current methods for CNT growth on substrates have their drawbacks. Vertically aligned CNT growth on metallic substrates requires catalyst islands on the substrate, which limits its ultimate application. Aligned CNT growth is a complicated, multi-step process and requires a brittle substrate, such as indium tin oxide.