Metal substrates having carbon nanotubes grown thereon and processes for production thereof

A carbon nanotube growth process comprising:

• depositing a catalyst precursor on a metal substrate;
• wherein the metal substrate has a melting point of about 800° C. or less;
• and
• after depositing the catalyst precursor, exposing the metal substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon;
• wherein the carbon nanotube growth conditions convert the catalyst precursor into a catalyst that is operable for growing carbon nanotubes.

A carbon nanotube growth process comprising:

• depositing a catalyst precursor on a metal substrate;
• depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate;
• wherein the non-catalytic material is deposited prior to, after, or concurrently with the catalyst precursor;
• after depositing the catalyst precursor and the non-catalytic material, exposing the metal substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon;
• wherein the carbon nanotube growth conditions convert the catalyst precursor into a catalyst that is operable for growing carbon nanotubes;
• and
• transporting the metal substrate while the carbon nanotubes are being grown.