Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes from Ethanol Using RF-CCVD and Fe–Mo Catalyst

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.

Keywords:

• multiwalled carbon nanotubes
• Fe–Mo
• RF-CCVD
• CVD
• ethanol
• Raman spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their gratitude for the valuable inputs of Dr. Alexandru Biris in doing this research.