Green synthesis and characterization of multiwall carbon nanotubes from sugarcane bagasse as a biogenic catalyst via chemical vapour deposition method using LPG as hydrocarbon source

Abstract

In this study, sugarcane bagasse was used as an environment-friendly green catalyst for the synthesis of MWCNTs using the chemical vapour deposition method. The process was carried out at a relatively low temperature of 700 °C using liquified petroleum gas (LPG) as a hydrocarbon source. The formation of carbon nanotubes was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the obtained MWCNTs has a diameter in the range of 13 nm and a d-spacing of 0.33 nm. The EDAX and ICP-AES analysis confirmed the presence of various minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and silica which have contributed to the formation of MWCNTs. The structural integrity of MWCNTs was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and functional characterisation was done by FTIR.