Preparation, purification and characterization of high purity multi-wall carbon nanotube

Abstract

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was optimized in order to prepare multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Preparation of MWCNTs was achieved by the help of ferrocene as a catalyst with continuous flow of xylene. Morphology and structure of as grown and purified MWCNTs were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra for the as grown MWCNTs confirm that the deposits are carbonaceous materials. XRD pattern of purified sample indicates that the Fe peaks at 44.6 and 50.9 have been decreased. This confirms that purification process is effectively reducing Fe component. Further qualitative information on the purification process are indicated and confirmed by the thermal analysis measurements. Finally, FTIR studies have been performed for the identification of the functional group attached on the surface of the MWCNTs. Collecting these results revealed that the optimized CVD is suitable for the production of MWCNTs.