Single-walled carbon nanotube catalyst

Abstract

An activated catalyst capable of selectively growing single-walled carbon nanotubes when reacted with carbonaceous gas is provided. The activated catalyst is formed by reducing a catalyst that comprises a complex oxide. The complex oxide may be of formula A x B y O z , wherein x/y≦2 and z/y≦4, A being a Group VIII element and B being an element such that an oxide of element B is not reducible in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature less than or equal to about 900° C. Methods of making, uses for and carbon fibril-containing product made with these activated catalysts are also provided.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of making a catalyst for use in a process for the manufacture of single walled carbon nanotubes comprising the steps of:
 reacting a source of A with a source of B at a temperature sufficiently low so as to form a complex oxide having a formula A x B y O z , wherein
 x/y≦2 and z/y≦4, 
 A is a Group VIII element, and 
 B is an element different from A and is an element whose simple oxide, in which B is at the same valence state as in the complex oxide, is not reducible in the presence of hydrogen gas at a temperature less than about 900° C., and 
   activating the complex oxide by reducing said complex oxide at a temperature less than about 950° C.   
     
     
         21 . A method of making a catalyst for use in a process for the manufacture of single walled carbon nanotubes comprising the step of reducing a complex oxide of formula A x B y O z  at a temperature less that 950° C., wherein
 x/y≦2 and z/y≦4,   A is a Group VIII element, and   B is an element different from A and is an element whose simple oxide, in which B is at the same valence state as in the complex oxide, is not reducible in the presence of hydrogen gas at a temperature less than about 900° C.   
     
     
         22 . A catalyst manufactured by the method of  claim 20 . 
     
     
         23 . A catalyst manufactured by the method of  claim 21 .