Mathematical modeling of the multi-walled carbon nanotube growth by the pyrolysis of a ferrocene solution in benzene

The possibility of scaling up the growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized by the pyrolysis of aerosol of a ferrocene solution in benzene was experimentally and theoretically studied. The morphology and yields of the reaction products and the influence of the volume of the introduced solution and ferrocene concentration on the duration of the process were investigated. A quantitative mathematical model of the nanotube growth process was proposed, and the possibility of using the model in scaling up the synthesis was analyzed. The experimental and model curves of the distribution of sample weights over the reactor length were compared and showed that the proposed model is correct.