Evaporated Ethanol as Precursor for Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were synthesized by using a simple evaporating method and a double furnace system. Ethanol was chosen as a carbon precursor because it has an evaporating temperature of 78 °C and was reported to produce a high purity of CNTs. Evaporated ethanol can be used as a precursor for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesis. Ethanol was evaporated at 80 °C and channeled directly into a double furnace system. Furnace 1 was maintained at 180 °C and furnace 2 was set at 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C. The CNTs were then characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Helical CNTs were observed at 700°C, webs of hollow tubes at 800 °C, and long tube structures at 900 °C based on FESEM. The diameter of CNTs that were synthesized ranged between 54 - 200 nm. Raman spectrum revealed that the G-band was 1590 cm-1 and the D-band was about 1350 cm-1. SWCNT was determined by RBM (radial breathing mode) to be between 200 - 300 raman shifts (cm-1). The modified CVD (chemical vapor deposition) system set up in the present study is successfully used for large scale synthesis of CNTs from an aqueous precursor such as ethanol.

Characterizing Joule Heating Effects on Single Suspended Carbon Fibers: Calculating the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Localized Carbon Nanotube Growth

“…The temperature of the small stainless tube is maintained at 180 °C. At this temperature, the solution of ferrocene and ethanol is ensured to vaporize properly . Once the CFs reach the reaction temperature, the needle valve is slowly opened to allow the vapor of the precursor to enter the chamber and come into contact with the surface of the fibers.…”

Nanotechnology in peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction

“…Presently, there are controversial results regarding carbon nanomaterials toxicity, as some publication reported that carbon materials are toxic for neuronal-related cells. For instance, MWCNTs seem to inhibit neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells [123] and SH-SY5Y [124]. Moreover, Wu et al, [125] reported that exposure of DRG cultures to MWCNTs compromises regenerative axonogenesis [125].…”