Abstract
This paper presents the development of a laboratory scale setup for the production of CNTs by arc discharge process in an argon gas environment. The main problem with the existing lab scale production setups is the cleaning of the chamber and this problem is resolved in presented work by placing a circular metal sheet inside the chamber, which is removed after the synthesis, thus allowing easy cleaning and recovery of the produced CNTs. The most noteworthy feature of the presented setup is its low cost, hence offering for the first time the synthesis of economical CNTs on small scale. In addition to offering better control over operating conditions and hence the quality of CNTs, another unique feature of the developed setup is its capability to synthesize SWCNTs and MWCNTs with versatile range of diameters. Significant quantity of CNTs using the developed setup were produced and characterized by using Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) and few results are reported.