Facile synthesis of multidimensional nanoscaled-carbon via simplified arc underwater: An integrated process for 0-D, 1-D and 2-D

Abstract

An adaptable and simplified arc underwater set-up is designed for synthesis of nanostructured carbon materials (NSCM) such as carbon onions (CO), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanoscale graphitic carbon (NGC). Essentially, the set-up consists of a DC power supply, two graphite electrodes and a container for de-ionized water storage. Transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed that the cathode deposit, floating particles and settled materials consist of MWCNTs, CO and NGC, respectively. The kind of NSCM formation is critically governed by temperature gradient and cooling rate created due to bubble collapse in nucleate boiling during the arcing process. Based on the anode consumption, the total yield of the carbon materials is about ∼25.5 wt% which consists 5 wt% of FP, 8.5 wt% of CD and remaining 12 wt% of SP. FP, CD, and SP presented crystallite size of 23.69 nm, 11.84 nm, and 28.91 nm, respectively. The high rate and moderate rate of cooling will determine the growth of MWCNTs and CO, respectively. NGC exhibited specific capacity of 325 mAhg−1 with lithium half-cell after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg−1.