US Patent 7261871 - CNT fabrication using transition metal complexed alkyne

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7261871.html

Chemical vapor deposition is a favored method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes in sizable quantities and typically involves flowing a carbon containing gas at high temperatures over a catalyst containing substrate. This patent from the University of California proposes heating transition metals with alkynes (hydrocarbons having at least one triple bond between two carbons) as an alternative method with a lower temperature range than CVD methods.

1. A method of preparing carbon nanotubes, comprising heating a precursor comprising a transition metal complexed alkyne in a sealed vessel to temperatures between 400.degree. C. and 800.degree. C.