The influence of mixed catalysts for the high yield production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been studied systematically. Based on exten- sive experimental data a "Catalyst Volume to Surface Area" (CVSA) model was developed to understand the influence of the process para- meters on the yield and CNT diameter distribution [1]. In our study, we present a refined version of the CVSA model developed by combin- ing experiments and simulations. We discuss our current understand- ing of the growth mechanism and how the model might be used to increase CNT yields by using mixed catalysts.
[1] S. Tetali et al., ACS Nano (2009), DOI: 10.1021/nn9012548.