Synthesis of nano-carbon (nanotubes, nanofibres, graphene) materials

Abstract

In the present study, we report the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a new natural precursor: castor oil. The CNTs were synthesized by spray pyrolysis of castor oil-ferrocene solution at 850°C under an Ar atmosphere. We also report the synthesis of carbon nitrogen (C-N) nanotubes using castor oilferrocene-ammonia precursor. The as-grown CNTs and C-N nanotubes were characterized through scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Graphitic nanofibres (GNFs) were synthesized by thermal decomposition of acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) gas using Ni catalyst at 600°C. As-grown GNFs reveal both planar and helical morphology. We have investigated the structural and electrical properties of multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs)-polymer (polyacrylamide (PAM)) composites. The MWNTs-PAM composites were prepared using as purified, with ball milling and functionalized MWNTs by solution cast technique and characterized through SEM. A comparative study has been made on the electrical property of these MWNTs-PAM composites with different MWNTs loadings. It is shown that the ball milling and functionalization of MWNTs improves the dispersion of MWNTs into the polymer matrix. Enhanced electrical conductivity was observed for the MWNTs-PAM composites. Graphene samples were prepared by thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide. XRD analysis confirms the formation of graphene.

One-dimensional nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures

“…Aligned CN x (x < 0.1) nanotubes have been generated by pyrolyzing ferrocene/Buckminsterfullerene mixtures at 1050 °C in a NH 3 atmosphere [247]. The synthesis of NCNTs by spray pyrolysis of castor oil/ferrocene/NH 3 precursor at 850°C under an Ar atmosphere has recently been reported [248].…”

The effect of nanographite addition on the physical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/hydroxypropyl cellulose blend

“…Also, the peak at 2h = 26.4°becomes more intense and sharp. This peak corresponds to (002) plane of graphite with d-spacing of 0.34 nm [13]. The intensity of this peak increases with increasing GNP content.…”

Curvature, Hybridization and Contamination of Carbon Nanostructures Analysis Using Electron Microscopy and XANES Spectroscopy

“…The formation of carbon nanostructures by dc HF CCVD using transition metal catalysts has been yet investigated extensively [23,24]. This formation was found to depend also deeply on initial chemical states of carbon atoms (precursor) and the specific type and size of TM.…”

“…Another specificity of nanostructures is their complex and heavy synthesis processes compared to other materials used in different domains of technology and their different methods of synthesizing [23][24][25]. These methods lead to CNSs with sometimes an important quantity of impurities (Fe or Co)…”