Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been produced by catalytic pyrolysis of n butene on solid acid catalyst at first time. The solid acid catalysts were fluorinated γ-Al₂O₃ and HZSM-5-zeolites which did not contain metal particles, as ordinary used in the production of carbon nanotubes. In comparison with the metal particle catalysts, the carbon nanotubes produced in this condition require much lower pyrolysis temperature. The production was found to correlate with acid strength and acid sites of the solid acid catalysts. Some carbon nanotubes with special structures have been distinguished.

Key words: carbon nanotubes, solid acid, catalytic pyrolysis, γ-Al₂O₃, HZSM-5