Is the drive force of SWNT nucleation temperature gradient (TG) or carbon concentration gradient (CG)?

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

SWNT growth mechanism driven by TG(Left) or CG (Right)

　

　

initial structure                 final structure

MD  simulation study of a SWNT structure nuclear on the hot part of the catalyst particle. a. initial structure, b. final structure, c. the carbon concentration inside the different part of the catalyst particle.

　

Conclusion:

Nucleation of SWNT can be driven by carbon concentration gradient (CG) inside the catalyst particle only. So Temperature Gradient is not indispensable for CNT growth.