A Study on the Effects of Carrier Gases on the Structure and Morphology of Carbon Nanotubes Prepared by Pyrolysis of Ferrocene and C2H2 Mixture

Carbon nanotubes （CNTs） were prepared using different carrier gases, with ferrocene as the catalyst precusor and acetylene as the carbon source. The effects of ammonia and nitrogen as carrier gases on the structure and morphology of CNTs were investigated. Transmission electron microscope （TEM）, high-resolution electron microscope （HRTEM）, scanning electron microscope （SEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD） were employed to characterize the products and the catalyst. Experiment results show that the CNTs grown in N2 gas exhibited cylindrical and tubular structure, while a bamboo-like structure was observed for the CNTs grown in NH3 gas. Moreover, vertically aligned CNTs were obtained on an A12O3 disk when NH3 was used as the carrier gas. The carrier gas also exerted influence on the shape of the catalyst. Based on the theory of active centers of catalysis and combined with the particle shape of the catalyst, a growth model for the vertically aligned CNTs on the substrate is given.     

不同催化剂对热解法制备CNx纳米管的影响

CNx nanotubes was synthesized by thermal decomposition ethylenediamine catalyzed by pure iron, cobalt, nickel, and ferrocene. The effect of the catalyst on the CNx nanotubes’ morphology and yield was studied. The catalysis growth mechanism was also discussed. The CNx nanotubes with the “bamboo-like” structure and lower yield are produced when iron or ferrocene is used as the catalyst, whereas the curved CNx nanotubes with many pleats through the nanotube walls and higher yield are generated when cobalt is used. The CNx nanotubes catalyzed by nickel are only helix tubes with the diameter of about 500 nm. Raman spectroscopy studies show that the CNx nanotubes catalyzed by ferrocene have a worse crystallinity due to a higher nitrogen incorporation.     

Synthesis and characterization of unbranched and branched multi-walled carbon nanotubes using Cu as catalyst

Unbranched and branched carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition from methane at 900 °C over a Cu/MgO catalyst. Morphology and structure of the CNTs were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of methane flow rate on the CNT growth was investigated. The results suggest that the products were transformed from unbranched to branched CNTs with an increase in methane flow rate. The simplicity and controllability of such a preparation technique make it a promising method to synthesize different carbon nanotube structures.     

CVD growth of N-doped carbon nanotubes on silicon substrates and its mechanism

In the present study, we report the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of nitrogen-doped (N-doped) aligned carbon nanotubes on a silicon (Si) substrate using ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) as catalyst and acetonitrile (CH3CN) as the carbon source. The effect of experimental conditions such as temperature, gaseous environment, and substrates on the structure and morphology of N-doped carbon nanotubes arrays is reported. From XPS and EELS data, it was found that the nitrogen content of the nanotubes could be determined over a wide range, from 1.9% to 12%, by adding the addition of hydrogen (H2) to the reaction system. It was also shown by SEM that N-doped carbon nanotube arrays could be produced on Si and SiO2 substrates at suitable temperatures, although at different growth rates. Using these concentrations, it was possible to produce three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanotubes architectures on predetermined Si/SiO2 patterns. The mechanism underlying the effect of nitrogen containing carbon sources on nanotube formation was explored using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).     

酞菁裂解法多壁碳纳米管的制备、表征和应用

In order to investigate the catalytic activity of high temperature treated CoPc toward oxygen reduction, and find the active site of the catalyst, using cobalt (Ⅱ) phthalocyanine (CoPc) as raw material, through thermal chemical vapor deposition method at 850℃ under a current of Ar/H2, two layer well-aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were made. The diameters of the well-aligned carbon nanotubes were distributed in the range of 60～120 nm and the length was about 40 μm. The Co particle with 10 nm in diameter was encapsulated in the CNTs compartment. The products were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The well-aligned carbon nanotubes were characteriszed by Raman scattering spectrum and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The cyclic voltammetric measurement demonstrates that the CNTs have some effect to prevent the metal nanoparticle encapsulated from eroding rapidly. It is assumed that the small amount of the N element in the CNTs is very necessary for the bamboo-like morphology and the protected action for metal particles against dissolution in the acid medium. The radian of the winding wall should be affected by the amount of the N and the interaction between the N in the carbon network and the metal cluster. In addition, the CNTs greater electrochemically active surface area is a great advantage for any electrocatalytic application.     

Low‐Temperature Growth of Carbon Nanotubes Catalyzed by Sodium‐Based Ingredients

Synthesis of low‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a key driver for achieving advances in energy storage, computing, and multifunctional composites, among other applications. Here, we report high‐yield thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of CNTs catalyzed by reagent‐grade common sodium‐containing compounds, including NaCl, NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃, and NaOH, found in table salt, baking soda, and detergents, respectively. Coupled with an oxidative dehydrogenation reaction to crack acetylene at reduced temperatures, Na‐based nanoparticles have been observed to catalyze CNT growth at temperatures below 400 °C. Ex situ and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal unique CNT morphologies and growth characteristics, including a vaporizing Na catalyst phenomenon that we leverage to create CNTs without residual catalyst particles for applications that require metal‐free CNTs. Na is shown to synthesize CNTs on numerous substrates, and as the first alkali group metal catalyst demonstrated for CNT growth, holds great promise for expanding the understanding of nanocarbon synthesis.     

n型金刚石薄膜催化生长碳纳米管

研究了n型金刚石薄膜作为催化剂生长碳纳米管的方法.首先采用丙酮裂解化学气相沉积(CVD)法制备均匀的n型金刚石薄膜,然后采用乙醇为碳源的CVD法,在850、900和950℃下,分别在n型金刚石薄膜上制备了碳球、竹节状碳管和多壁碳纳米管.所得产物用扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜、拉曼光谱和X射线光电子能谱表征.实验结果表明产物的形貌与反应温度有关.我们还提出了与金刚石催化生长碳纳米管结果相符的实验机理.     

Methane chemical vapor deposition on transition metal/GaAs samples – a possible route to Haeckelite carbon nanotubes?

We present a systematic study of atmospheric chemical vapor deposition growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on patterned, transition metal/GaAs samples employing methane as the carbon feedstock. Controlled CNT growth was found to occur from the exposed metal‐semiconductor interface, rather than from the metal or semiconductor surfaces themselves. A fast sample loading system allowed for a minimization of the exposure to high temperatures, thereby preventing excessive sample damage. The optimum growth temperature for CrNi/GaAs interfaces is 700 °C (at a methane flow rate of 700 sccm). Possible growth scenarios involving the Ni–As–Ga system and its interaction with C is discussed. Raman spectroscopy of the CNTs revealed the presence of pentagon–heptagon defects. Closer analysis of the spectra points towards a mixture of so‐called Haeckelite CNTs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CVD synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes using ferrocene/aniline mixtures

Nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have been synthesized by the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) floating catalyst method using either 4-ferrocenylaniline or mixtures of varying concentrations of ferrocene/aniline together with toluene as added carbon source. The N-CNTs produced are less stable (thermal gravimetric analysis measurements), less graphitic and more disordered (transmission electron microscope measurements) than their undoped counterparts. The ratio of the Raman D- and G-band intensities increase with the nitrogen concentration used during the CNT growth. Furthermore, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies reveal that the CNTs are multi-walled (MW), and that the diameters of the N-MWCNTs can be controlled by systematically varying the concentrations of the nitrogen source. The TEM analysis also revealed that when ferrocenylaniline and ferrocene/aniline reactions are compared at similar Fe/N ratios, higher N doping levels are achieved (ca. 2-5×) when ferrocenylaniline is the catalyst.     

氮掺杂碳纳米管对其负载的Ru催化剂上合成氨的促进作用

以乙腈为碳源和氮源,采用化学气相沉积法制备了氮掺杂的碳纳米管.电子显微镜观察表明,样品形貌为中空的多壁纳米管,管腔大小10～15 nm,壁厚10～20 nm.X射线光电子能谱结果表明,氮已掺杂到碳纳米管结构中,主要以吡啶型氮和取代型氮存在.结合X射线衍射和拉曼光谱结果发现,随着制备温度的升高,氮掺杂量减少,但纳米管的石...     

纳米CaCO3负载过渡金属CVD法制备多壁碳纳米管的研究

以纳米碳酸钙粉体为载体,用浸渍法制备了可用于化学气相沉积(CVD)法制备碳纳米管的高产率催化剂.应用FESEM,HRTEM,TEM,XRD和激光拉曼谱对产物进行了表征.结果表明,由于纳米碳酸钙具有较大的比表面积,可高密度地承载催化剂活性组分.在碳纳米管生长初期,处于缓慢分解状态的纳米碳酸钙才能有效地起到载体作用,且反应温度为700～750℃时,碳纳米管的产率较高.Fe-Co双金属催化剂在700℃,催化生长60min后,可增重10倍,而且产物中无定形碳含量极少.纳米碳酸钙载体易于提纯,用质量分数为30%的硝酸超声提纯粗产品1h,可使纯度提高到97%,且不破坏碳纳米管结构.     

一维纳米炭/竹炭的制备及其对Pb~(2+)的吸附

以二甲苯为炭源、二茂铁为催化剂,采用CVD法在竹炭上催化气相生长了一维纳米炭,采用扫描电镜、透射电镜及氮吸附仪等对一维纳米炭/竹炭的形貌、微结构及比表面积进行了表征,并研究了一维纳米炭/竹炭复合材料对重金属离子Pb2+的吸附性能.结果表明,采用CVD法可以在竹炭上生长一维纳米炭,且随着气相生长时间的延长,竹炭上的一维纳米炭变得更加浓密而均匀.竹炭上生长一维纳米炭后,对Pb2+的吸附能力增强,硝酸氧化处理可以进一步提高一维纳米炭/竹炭对Pb2+的吸附能力.     

Two types of carbon nanocomposites: Graphite encapsulated iron nanoparticles and thin carbon nanotubes supported on thick carbon nanotubes, synthesized using PECVD

In this work, graphite encapsulated Fe nanoparticles and thin carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on the pristine CNTs, respectively, were synthesized using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition via efficiently controlling the flow rate of discharging CH₄ and H₂ gas. The properties of the obtained hybrid materials were characterized with superconducting quantum interference and field emission measurements. The results showed that the encapsulated Fe nanoparticles had diameters ranging from 1 to 30 nm, and this hybrid nanocomposite exhibited a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. Thin CNTs with an average diameter of 6 nm were attached to the surface of the prepared CNTs, which exhibited a lower turn-on field and higher emission current density than the pristine CNTs. The Fe nanoparticles either encapsulated with graphite or used as catalyst for thin CNTs growth were all originated from the pyrolysis of ferrocene.     

In situ carbon nanotube synthesis by the reduction of NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in methane

The synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via chemical vapour deposition of methane on NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst has been investigated. The reduction behavior of NiO/γ-Al2O3 by methane was studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. It was found that the NiO supported on γ-Al2O3, was reduced to Ni⁰ in methane atmosphere in the temperature range of 710--770 ℃. The catalytic activity of NiO/γ-Al2O3 for CNTs synthesis by in situ chemical vapour deposition of methane during the reduction was also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the CNTs produced at various reduction temperatures. The results indicated that the reduction temperature exhibits obvious influence on the morphology and the yield of CNTs. CNTs with the diameter of about 20 nm were obtained at reduction temperature of 750 ℃, and higher reduction temperature (such as 800 and 850 ℃) led to an increase in CNTs diameter and a decrease in CNTs yield.     

E?ect of Growth Parameters on Morphology of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized on Fe-deposited silicon substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscope investigations reveal that the morphology of the CNTs depends on several growth parameters including the reaction temperature, the size of catalyst nanoparticles, and the partial pressure of the reaction gas. When the reaction temperature rises or the concentration of carbon source gas increases, the diameter of CNTs gets larger, but the length becomes shorter. With decreasing thickness of the catalyst film, the diameter of the CNTs shrinks monotonically, but the length of the CNTs increases first, reaches a maximum and then decreases afterwards. These results indicate that the diameter and the length of the vertically aligned CNTs can be manipulated by selecting appropriate growth parameters.     

多分叉和铁填充碳纳米管的合成与表征

以二环戊二烯和二茂铁为前驱体,通过化学气相沉积法可控地制备了多分叉的碳纳米管,在其分叉处观察到铁填充物。通过调变前驱物的比例、生长温度等条件能够有效地调变填充物Fe的含量。结果表明,前驱体中二茂铁的相对含量越高,分叉和填充现象越明显,说明铁物种在分叉形成中起重要作用。随着分叉次数的增加,支管的直径显著减小。     

Synthesis of polygonized carbon nanotubes utilizing inhomogeneous catalyst activity of nonspherical Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The synthesis of novel carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with polygonal cross sections by heating a powder mixture of ferrocene, oxalic acid, and the alkali metal potassium at mediate temperatures (480-500 degrees C) is reported. This kind of special polygonized CNTs has two distinctive characters: first, ribbonlike polygonized CNTs have diameters between 60 and 200 nm, and the lengths as long as several microns; second, the edge of polygonized CNTs is well-graphitized, the wall of which is amorphous. On the basis of evidence that the formation of polygonized CNTs appears to be strongly determined by inhomogeneous catalytic activity of nonspherical Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles, we propose the possible growth model.     

催化剂对纳米聚团床法制备的纳米碳材料形貌的影响

 在纳米聚团床中用催化化学气相沉积法批量制备了碳纳米管，研\r\n究了过渡金属催化剂对碳纳米管形貌和产量的影响．实验结果表明，含\r\n铁催化剂的活性较低，产率较低，但产品质量较好；含镍催化剂的活性\r\n较高，产率较高，但产品质量较差；在钴催化剂作用下发现了一种新型\r\n的针状纳米碳材料．用含载体较少的铁催化剂可以得到纯度较高且微观\r\n结构较好的碳纳米管，但产率较低；不含任何载体的纯镍催化剂则不能\r\n得到碳纳米管．适宜的催化剂组成、催化剂活性点的均匀分布和裂解速\r\n度的控制等构成了纳米聚团床大批量制备碳纳米管技术的关键．     

The role of alpha-iron and cementite phases in the growing mechanism of carbon nanotubes: a 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study

57Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy was used to study the reduction behavior at temperatures as high as 1073 K of an iron/silica catalyst, and also the carbonaceous materials isolated after acetylene decomposition over this catalyst at several temperatures (873-1073 K). The products were previously characterized by transmission electron microscopy and it was clearly proven that the concentration of carbon nanotubes increased when reaction reached highest temperatures. This was related with an increment in cementite concentration (generated from initial alpha-iron and the progressive reduction of the remnant Fe+2 caused by acetylene decomposition) as detected by 57Fe M?ssbauer. These results undoubtedly revealed the role of alpha-iron as active center for acetylene decomposition and cementite as main carbide intermediate species in the catalytic growth of CNTs.     

Synthesis of well-aligned carbon nanotubes on the NH3 pretreatment Ni catalyst films

Well aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized on large area Nideposited SiO₂/Si substrates via the pyrolysis of C₂H₂ using thermal chemical vapor deposition technique at 900°C. We concluded that NH₃ pretreatment was very crucial to control the surface morphology of catalytic metals and thus to achieve the vertical alignment of CNTs. With higher density of the Ni particles, better alignment of the CNTs can be obtained due to steric hindrance effect between neighboring CNTs. The degree of crystallization of the CNTs enhanced with the increase of the NH₃ pretreatment time was investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis revealed that CNTs grew by a tip growth mechanism.