Optoelectronically automated system for carbon nanotubes synthesis via arc-discharge in solution

Abstract

The method of arc discharge in the solution is unique and inexpensive route for synthesis of the carbon nanotubes ͑CNTs͒, carbon onions, and other carbon nanostructures. Such a method can be used for in situ synthesis of CNTs decorated with nanoparticles. Herein, we report a simple and inexpensive optoelectronically automated system for arc discharge in solution synthesis of CNTs. The optoelectronic system maintains a constant gap between the two electrodes allowing a continuous synthesis of the carbon nanostructures. The system operates in a feedback loop consisting of an electrode-gap detector and an analog electronic unit, as controller. This computerized feeding system of the anode was used for in situ nanoparticles incorporated CNTs. For example, we have successfully decorated CNTs with ceria, silica, and palladium nanoparticles. Characterizations of nanostructures are performed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Solution plasma processing (SPP)

“…Recently, the synthesis of carbon nanotubes in the solution plasma has been the subject of vigorous investigation [3][4][5][6][7]. Nomura et al demonstrated the synthesis of carbon-related materials with a microwave-generated plasma in a hydrocarbon liquid under evacuation [6].…”

A parametric study on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes through arc-discharge in water

“…Recently, arc-discharge methods in the liquid phase have attracted considerable attention [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] due to their low cost and simple instrumentation to synthesize carbon nanotubes. In our previous communications [11,12,14], the arc discharge in solution (ADS) procedure is discussed elaborately. In 2000, Ishigami et al [2] first reported the continuous synthesis of MWCNTs in liquid nitrogen using a dc power supply of 20-25 V operating at 60 A. Hsin and co-workers [3] attempted to produce metal-filled CNTs using arc discharge in a cobalt sulfate solution, which resulted in the formation of CNTs filled with not only metallic cobalt but also cobalt sulfide particles.…”

Studies of the equilibrium of the adsorption of Cu(II) onto as-produced and purified carbon nanotubes

“…Additionally, TEM analysis confirmed the hollow structure of CNTs. The graphene layers which constituted the wall of the nanotubes were not so straight [11]. This greater disorder between carbon planes was assigned to the relatively low temperature catalytic growth process.…”