Research • Research Areas

The discovery of carbon nanotubes & nanofibers, and the observation of their novel properties sparked a host of applications and an interest to better control their synthesis. By way of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus, members of the Chemistry Group are investigating the effect of metals upon the growth of carbon nanofibers & nanotubes (CNFs & CNTs). With their diverse electronic properties, the Cr, Mn, Co, Fe, Ni & Zn catalysts appear to influence the microstructure, surface properties and stability of these nanofibers.