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

A carbon nanotube growth process conducted in a reactor for synthesizing carbon nanotubes and having carbon nanotube growth conditions therein, the method comprising:

• depositing a catalytic material on a metal substrate from a solution to form a catalyst-laden metal substrate;
• wherein the metal substrate has a melting point in excess of about 800° C.;
• and
• growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden metal substrate;
• wherein the catalyst-laden metal substrate remains stationary or is conveyed through the reactor in a continuous manner while growing carbon nanotubes thereon.

A continuous carbon nanotube growth process conducted in a reactor for synthesizing carbon nanotubes and having carbon nanotube growth conditions therein, the method comprising:

• depositing a catalyst precursor on a metal substrate from a solution to form a catalyst-laden metal substrate;
• depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate from a solution;
• wherein the non-catalytic material is deposited prior to, after or currently with the catalyst precursor;
• and
• conveying the catalyst-laden metal substrate through the reactor in a continuous manner while growing carbon nanotubes thereon.