Al2O3 + FeCo and Al2O3 + FeNi coatings for multiwalled carbon nanotubes growth

Abstract

In this work the preparation of growth of aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented using FeCo and FeNi alumina-based catalysts. The catalysts were prepared using the sol–gel process and some stainless steel substrates were coated using the dip coating technique. These coatings were used for the MWCNT in a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) reactor. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the coating solutions demonstrate the formation of metallic phases rich in iron in both samples. Raman spectroscopy study depicted the characteristic bands of MWCNT and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showing the growth of aligned MWCNTs with a length of about 10μm and 20 to 80nm of diameter on both coatings. These results contribute to establishing a new route for the preparation of aligned and high purity MWCNT using catalysts prepared by a very fast and simple way.