Carbon nanotubes or carbon globules: Optimization of the pyrolytic synthesis parameters and study of the magnetic properties

Abstract

We report the optimized parameters necessary for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon globules during the pyrolysis of benzene in a closed reactor. The precursor concentration and sublimation temperature were controlled to tune the growth of carbon nanostructures. A low sublimation temperature leads to the formation of globular carbon aggregates while a high sublimation temperature (∼ 600 °C) favours the growth of carbon nanotubes. A set of optimized parameters allows the growth of CNTs or carbon globules, selectively or simultaneously. The carbon globules and the CNTs contain embedded magnetic nanoparticles, which makes them suitable electronic and magnetic material for various applications.