Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In a recent publication we have described the synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by the reaction of a hydrocarbon vapor over a dispersed iron catalyst that is deposited in situ on quartz substrates. Our system configuration involves entraining a mixture of xylene and ferrocene into an inert gas stream. Decomposition of the ferrocene at temperatures in the range 625-775°C, and at atmospheric pressure, produces a coating of iron nanoparticles on the quartz surfaces, and these metal sites function as catalysts for the formation and growth of MWNTs. In this study, we report the influence of operating conditions on MWNT purity and yield. These parameters include the feed injection temperature, furnace temperature, hydrocarbon partial pressure, reaction time, space velocity, and iron to carbon ratio in the feed. We observed that the quality of the MWNTs depend sensitively on the growth parameters and a window for the operating conditions is identified for the growth of high purity aligned MWNTs. Characterization of the MWNTs by electron microscopy has shown that there is a relationship between metal particle size and MWNT diameter.