Efficient synthesis of carbon nanotubes with improved surface area by low-temperature solvothermal route from dichlorobenzene

Abstract

The synthesis of well-aggregated carbon nanotubes in the form of bundles was achieved by the catalytic reduction of 1,2-dichlorobenzene by a solvothermal approach. The use of 1,2-dichlorobenzene as a carbon source yielded a comparably good percentage of carbon nanotubes in the range of 60–70 %, at a low reaction temperature of 200°C. The products obtained were analysed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The X-ray diffraction studies implied the presence of pure, crystalline, and well-ordered carbon nanotubes. The scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic images revealed the surface morphology, dimensions and the bundled form of the tubes. These micrographs showed the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with an outer diameter of 30–55 nm, inner diameter of 15–30 nm, and lengths of several hundreds of nanometers. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller-based N2 gas adsorption studies were performed to determine the surface area and pore volume of the carbon nanotubes. These carbon nanotubes exhibit a better surface area of 385.30 m2 g−1. In addition, the effects of heating temperature, heating time, amount of catalyst and amount of carbon source on the product yield were investigated.

Gas Transport Properties of Polybenzimidazole and Poly(Phenylene Oxide) Mixed Matrix Membranes Incorporated with PDA-Functionalised Titanate Nanotubes

“…Hitherto, CNTs and their potential for MMMs have been studied in great detail and seems to be a prospective filler for overcoming the efficiency-productivity trade-off of neat polymer membranes because of their high aspect ratio [1, 19]. Several polymeric materials have been tested to prepare MMMs as shown later in the text to alter their gas separation characteristics.…”

“…However, there are several drawbacks regarding the use of CNTs in MMMs [1, 19]: (1) extreme amount of energy consumption because of high process temperatures (1000–3700 °C); (2) expensive fabrication owing to lasers and inert atmosphere; and (3) additional purification steps necessary due to by-products. With respect to these major issues, the utilisation of new fillers in MMMs is desirable.…”