Influence of Methane Gas on Growth of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Arc Discharge Process

Abstract

The influence of methane (CH4) gas as feedstock and ambient pressures on growth of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and carbon nano structures is studied by arc discharge process. The discharge is produced between graphite rods at different 100, 300 and 500 torr ambient pressures. Plasma kinematics such as density and temperature is determined by optical emission spectroscopy to investigate the contribution of ambient environment and pressure towards the growth of MWCNT and nano structures. The samples of synthesized MWCNT are analyzed transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. An increase in the growth of the carbon nanotubes with increase in the ambient pressure of the CH4 gas is observed. The CH4 molecules serve as feed stock and enhance the growth of carbon nanotubes. An increase in the growth of other carbon nanostructures such as graphene are also observed with increase in pressure.