The synthesis and research of single- and double-wall carbon nanotubes carried out by SYNL researchers, CHENG Huimimg. LI Feng, LIU Chang, CONG Hongtao and REN Wencai, was granted the Second Prize of National Nature Science Award.

To reveal the structure and properties of single- and double-wall carbon nanotubes, SYNL researchers studied their controlled synthesis and growth mechanism, structure, mechanical property, optical spectroscopy, electrochemical property and field emission property.

A floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition method was first developed for efficient synthesis of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which is well recognized as one of the three main techniques for SWCNT synthesis.

The growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes using sulfur as a growth promoter was proposed. A pore structure model and self-similar arrangement model were established, based on which the pore structure and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes were predicted.

The structure and intrinsic physical properties of carbon nanotubes were systematically studied. The laser Raman spectroscopy of single- and double-wall carbon nanotubes was measured, and the excellent mechanical, field emission and electrochemical properties of carbon nanotubes were explored using the well-aligned SWCNT ropes.