Direct growth of MWCNTs on stainless steel by V-type flame: mechanism of carbon nanotube growth induced by surface reconstruction

Abstract

Producing carbon nanomaterials adjustably on a large scale with existing manufacturing methods is a promising direction. Here, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grown on stainless steel substrate using a self-built V-type flame burner under atmospheric pressure. The surface structure of mirror and wiredrawing stainless steel substrates was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Carbon nanotubes only grow on calcined wiredrawing stainless steel substrate. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the crystallinity of MWCNTs synthesized on substrates that were heated at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, indicating that the calcining temperature of the substrate affects the properties of MWCNTs growth. Products grown on the substrate calcined at 600 °C are optimal. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to examine the morphology and chemical compositions of substrates calcined at different temperatures before growing carbon nanotubes. It was found that the morphology of the substrate surface is a key factor in controlling the growth of MWCNTs. Uniform particles with glossy boundaries are available for MWCNTs synthesis. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy was performed on single metallic particles found inside the nanotubes, clarifying that iron nanoparticles provide active sites for carbon nanotube growth on stainless steel instead of oxidation iron and other elements. A better understanding of the growth of carbon nanotubes on stainless steel using a V-type flame burner can help to adjust the properties of carbon nanotubes deposited on the required constructions, and provide additional insight into realization of large-scale and low-cost constructions covered with carbon nanotubes.