Metal-Filled and Hollow Carbon Nanotubes Obtained by the Decomposition of Metal-Containing Free Precursor Molecules

Vapor-phase pyrolysis of Fe(CO)5 in the presence of another carbon source such as CO or C6 H6 yields iron-filled or hollow nanotubes depending on the relative concentration of the carbon source. Essentially single-walled nanotubes are obtained when the C6H6/Fe(CO)5 ratio is high. Pyrolysis of metallocenes yields metal-filled nanotubes and hollow nanotubes are obtained when metallocenes are pyrolyzed along with benzene. Metal-decorated nanotubes are also obtained by this method.