Effect of Synthesis Conditions on the Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Vertically Aligned Graphene/Carbon Nanofiber Hybrids

Abstract

In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to understanding the growth mechanisms behind the synthesis of vertically aligned nanocarbon structures using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). This study explores how varying synthesis conditions—specifically hydrocarbon flow rate, hydrocarbon type, and plasma power—affect the microstructure, properties, and electrochemical performance of nitrogen-doped vertically aligned graphene (NVG) and nitrogen-doped vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (NVCNFs) hybrids. It was observed that adjustments in these synthesis parameters led to noticeable changes in the microstructure, with particularly significant alterations when changing the hydrocarbon precursor from acetylene to methane. The electrochemical investigation revealed that the sample synthesized at higher plasma power exhibited enhanced electron transfer kinetics, likely due to the higher density of open edges and nitrogen doping level. This study contributes to better understanding the PECVD process for fabricating nanocarbon materials, particularly for sensor applications.