A magnetism-assisted chemical vapor deposition method to produce branched or iron-encapsulated carbon nanotubes.

A magnetism-assisted chemical vapor deposition method was developed to synthesize branched or iron-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. In the process, the external magnetic field can promote the coalescence or division of the catalyst particles, causing the formation of branched or encapsulated nanostructures. This finding will extend the understanding of the chemical vapor deposition method in a magnetic field and promote the applications of branched or encapsulated nanostructures.