Customised transition metal oxide nanoparticles for the controlled production of carbon nanostructures

Abstract

Monodisperse magnetite (Fe3O4) and cobaltous oxide (CoO) nanoparticles were synthesised using a fast (up to 50 times quicker than previously reported) and facile one-pot, one-step reaction. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles had a constant size between 5 to 7 nm independent of the reagents used. Size controlled cube shaped CoO particles in the range of 10–20 nm were formed and it was possible to create voids in these particles in a controlled way. Carbon nanotubes were grown on these catalyst particles and their structures were compared. Structures of the nanotubes differed between straight, bamboo-like or partly coiled depending on the nanoparticle system used, suggesting the possibility of selection of these structures.