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A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of inducing electrical current through a carbon anode and a carbon cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon cathode is larger than the carbon anode. Preferably, a welder is used to induce the

A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of inducing electrical current through a carbon anode and a carbon cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon cathode is larger than the carbon anode. Preferably, a welder is used to induce the electrical current via an arc welding process. Preferably, an exhaust hood is placed on the anode, and the process does not require a closed or pressurized chamber. The process provides high-quality, single-walled carbon nanotubes, while eliminating the need for a metal catalyst.

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1. A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, comprising: (a) providing a carbon anode and a carbon cathode, wherein the cathode is larger than the anode; and (b) partially immersing the cathode in a water bath; and (c) inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode to prod

1. A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, comprising: (a) providing a carbon anode and a carbon cathode, wherein the cathode is larger than the anode; and (b) partially immersing the cathode in a water bath; and (c) inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode to produce carbon nanotubes. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein one or both of the anode and the cathode are graphite.3. The process of claim 1, wherein the electrical current is induced by arc welding.4. The process of claim 3, further comprising the step of blowing an inert gas over the welding area prior to inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode.5. The process of claim 4, further comprising the step of placing an exhaust hood over the anode in order to direct the inert gas.6. The process of claim 5, wherein the process comprises maintaining a gap from about 0.10 cm to about 0.5 cm between the anode and the cathode during the arc welding process.7. The process of claim 6, further comprising the step of allowing the electrical current to consume the anode such that a sintered tip of the anode is level with the exhaust hood, thereby forming a deposit on the cathode.8. The process of claim 7, further comprising the steps of removing, grinding, and purifying (i) the deposit formed on the cathode and (ii) the sintered tip of the anode, thereby forming a purified material.9. The process of claim 8, wherein the purified material contains single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).10. The process of claim 9, wherein said carbon cathode includes a bore in its center.11. The process of claim 1, wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed at substantially atmospheric pressure.12. A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, comprising: (a) providing a carbon anode and a carbon cathode, (b) partially immersing the cathode in a water bath; and (c) inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode to produce carbon nanotubes. 13. The process of claim 12, wherein one or both of the anode and the cathode are graphite.14. The process of claim 12, wherein the electrical current is induced by arc welding.15. The process of claim 14, further comprising the step of blowing an inert gas over the welding area prior to inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode.16. The process of claim 15, further comprising the step of placing an exhaust hood over the anode in order to direct the inert gas.17. The process of claim 16, wherein the process comprises maintaining a gap from about 0.10 cm to about 0.5 cm between the anode and the cathode during the arc welding process.18. The process of claim 17, further comprising the step of allowing the electrical current to consume the anode such that a sintered tip of the anode is level with the exhaust hood, thereby forming a deposit on the cathode.19. The process of claim 18, further comprising the steps of removing, grinding, and purifying (i) the deposit formed on the cathode and (ii) the sintered tip of the anode, thereby forming a purified material.20. The process of claim 19, wherein the purified material contains single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).21. The process of claim 20, wherein said carbon cathode includes a bore in its center.22. The process of claim 12, wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed at substantially atmospheric pressure.23. The process of claim 12, wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed without a metal catalyst.24. A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, comprising: (a) providing a carbon anode and a carbon cathode; (b) partially immersing the cathode in a water bath; and (c) inducing electrical current through the anode and the cathode to produce carbon nanotubes wherein steps (a) through (c) are performed at substantially atmospheric pressure and without a metal catalyst.