A synergetic description of carbon nanofiber growth

A self-consistent mathematical model of the growth of carbon nanofiber in a catalytic chemical vapor deposition process has been developed. This model includes the balance equation for carbon transport through the catalyst and the equation for mechanical and chemical balance in the catalyst-nanofiber system. It is demonstrated that the most important parameter that governs the nanofiber growth behavior is the difference in the carbon chemical potentials in the catalyst and nanofiber. This parameter determines the carbon transport to the nanofiber. It is also responsible for the catalyst shape and topology of the interface between the catalyst and nanofiber. The solutions of the model are in qualitative agreement with numerous experimental results. The model can be used in designing experiments and explaining existing results. It leaves the opportunity for more a precise and complex mathematical calculation of different aspects of the growth process.