A simple microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition system for the production of carbon nanotubes

A low-cost reactor has been designed and built to confine a microwave-induced plasma for carbon nanotube growth. The system utilises a magnetron and supporting electronics from a conventional microwave oven to establish and sustain the plasma. The plasma sphere remains stable and confined to the axis of the cylindrical vessel, as per simulation. Carbon nanotube growth was identified by scanning electron microscopy in preliminary experiments performed with ethanol as the hydrocarbon source, thiophene as the promoter, and hydrogen as the support gas.