Catalytic Effects on CNT Production and Quality

Monday, 11 May 2026

Carbon nanotube (CNT) quality, morphology, and reproducibility are strongly influenced by catalyst selection. This presentation examines the role of metallocene choice in CNT synthesis, with a focus on ferrocene, which outperforms other metallocenes by delivering better processability and more favourably influences CNT growth, morphology and defect density.

Drawing on over 60 years of experience in ferrocene catalyst manufacturing, Innospec demonstrates the impact of using different commercial ferrocene sources on CNT processing, reproducibility, quality and morphology.

The findings show how the right ferrocene contributes to longer and straighter tubes, reduced defect density, and lower residual iron content.