Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by RF (radio frequency) heating at 850°C using an MgO-supported bimetallic Fe–Mo catalyst. Ethanol was used as the carbon source. The MWCNTs were tested using Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). HRTEM studies show nanotubes with an average diameter of 16.0 ± 3.5 nm. In Raman spectroscopy, the ratios of intensities of the G and D band and the 2D and G bands were 0.90 and 0.47, respectively. These ratios are generally indicative of high crystallinity and purity of the MWCNTs. The purity of MWCNTs was calculated from TGA analysis.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude for the valuable inputs of Dr. Alexandru Biris in doing this research.