Carbon Nanostructures by Using FeCl<sub>3</sub> as Catalyst Precursor

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes and carbon nanowires were synthesized by ethanol catalytic combustion (ECC) technique, using FeCl3 solution as a catalyst precursor. Applying the 0.01 mol/l, 0.1 mol/l and 1 mol/l FeCl3 as catalyst precursor solution to the copper plate, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanowires were synthesized. The effect of concentration on growth and structural changes of the as-grown nanomaterials are illustrated and discussed. This technique has advantages of low cost, large scale production and flexible reaction conditions, etc. This technique can be used to synthesize carbon nanotubes and nanowires on metal substrate directly. This technique also has potential applications for fabricating nano-electrical devices.