Single-walled carbon nanotube synthesis with RuRhPdIrPt high entropy alloy catalysts

Using high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) composed of five platinum-group metals (5PGM), Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt, as catalysts, we succeeded in growing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). After CVD growth with C2H2 feedstock at 750 ℃ for 10 min, high-density SWCNTs were grown from 5PGM HEA NPs. The diameters of most SWCNTs were in the range of 0.83–1.1 nm, exhibiting the growth of small-diameter SWCNTs. Compared with monometal PGM catalyst, the SWCNT yield with the 5PGM HEA NP catalysts was much higher and was compatible even with those with Fe and Co.