Optimization of Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Chemical Vapor Deposition Method

Abstract

Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized using floating catalyst-chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) with ferrocene and benzene as catalyst and carbon source, respectively. Argon was used as a purging gas while hydrogen was used as a carrier gas. Hydrogen flow rate, reaction time and reactor temperature were varied to obtain high yield and purity of MWCNTs. The morphology and microstructures of MWCNTs produced were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was found that the maximum yield and purity of MWCNTs were produced at hydrogen flow rate of 300 ml/min with reactor temperature of 900°C and reaction time 45 minutes. It was observed that the MWCNTs are film-like, randomly oriented and in some cases entangled with uniform diameter.