Résumé
We report here on the catalyst features found critical in order to induce the growth of matchstick nanotubes by a sequential catalytic growth mechanism. The presence of phosphorus is required to form metal phosphide particles active for the formation of carbon nanotubes with a matchstick morphology. The metal composition does not influence the nanofilament type but strongly affect the nanotube yield. Original properties of these new periodic nanostructures are also highlighted, such as the preferential breaking at the thin nanomatch interjunctions, giving rise to individual nanomatches in suspension after ultrasonic treatment. The possibility to use this mechanism to insert carbon nanotubes with ferromagnetic nanoparticles is also reported.