Semi-continuous production of multiwalled carbon nanotubes using magnetic field assisted arc furnace

A high-temperature arc furnace with an applied external magnetic field has been used to grow carbon nanotubes. The magnetic field was able to spread and stabilize the plasma enabling the use of larger electrodes than could be used successfully with no magnetic field. By having a stable plasma across the entire anode surface, larger amounts of carbon black were able to be transformed into carbon nanotubes. In addition, a multiple-pronged anode was designed. The use of the pronged anode created a semi-continuous process which allowed for the amount of nanotubes produced per run to increase.