METHOD FOR MAKING CARBON NANOTUBES

摘要

A method for forming a carbon nanotube ( 5 ) on an electroconductive member ( 2 ). A catalytic layer ( 3 ) including a metal or alloy that serves as a catalyst for growing the carbon nanotube is formed on an electroconductive member, the metal or alloy of the catalytic layer is processed so as to turn it into small particles ( 3 a) by heating the catalytic layer formed on the electroconductive member to a prescribed temperature while supplying inert gas, and a carbon nanotube is grown on the electroconductive member by using the small particles of the metal or alloy of the catalytic layer as a catalyst. The fine metallic particles that can be used as a catalyst for growing the carbon nanotube can be prepared in a simple, economical and efficient manner. The carbon nanotube is highly suitable for use as the diffusion layer of a fuel cell.