Influence Analysis of Sampling Time for Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes in the V-Type Pyrolysis Flame

Abstract

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes from V-type pyrolysis flame is a kind of novel method. It needs simple laboratory equipments and normal atmosphere pressure. The V-type pyrolysis flame experimental system is introduced. Carbon source is the carbon monoxide and heat source is from acetylene/air premixed flame. Pentacarbonyl iron, served as catalyst, is transported by spray- pyrolysis method into the flame. The carbon nanotubes were characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. This study aims to find the formation rule of carbon nanotubes from the V-type pyrolysis flame in different sampling times. The carbon nanotubes with less impurity and high yield were captured successfully in the V-type pyrolysis flame. The diameter of carbon nanotubes was approximate between 10nm and 20nm, and its length was dozens of microns. When the sampling time was below 3 minutes, the growth of carbon nanotubes came into the preparation growth period. The length of the carbon nanotubes increased gradually and the diameter had no obvious change with the extension of sampling time. When the sampling time was continued to the 5th minute, the growth of carbon nanotubes came into the exuberant growth period. The carbon nanotubes growth was finished within 5minutes. Longer sampling time was meaningless after the carbon nanotubes formation.