The synthesis of carbon nanotubes from Müller clusters

Carbon nanotubes may be synthesised by chemical vapour deposition over supported Müller clusters. A variety of both clusters and high surface area support materials were investigated. Molybdenum-only Müller clusters catalyse the synthesis of very limited amounts of multi-walled nanotubes whereas iron–molybdenum Müller clusters catalyse the synthesis of single-walled nanotubes when supported on alumina or magnesia.