A catalyst is derived from a Feitknecht-compound (FC) precursor prepared via a co-precipitation method and is proved to manifest a strong metal-support interaction which facilitates the growth of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution. The effect of the rinsing condition of the precipitate on the growth of the SWCNTs is also examined. The pore structure of the catalysts rinsed by ethanol is modified and the carbon yield is enhanced while the diameter distribution of the SWCNTs is unchanged. The correlation between the metal-support interaction and the SWCNT growth is discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.