Synthesis of helical and straight carbon nanofibers by chemical vapor deposition using alkali chloride catalysts

Abstract

Carbon nanofibers were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using alkali chloride catalysts at a temperature range from 500 to 700 °C. Depending on the deposition temperature and catalyst used, either helical or straight fibers with a fiber diameter of about 100 nm can be synthesized. The catalysts are water-soluble, and hence they can be removed from the deposited products by simple water-washing instead of using highly concentrated acid to remove metal catalysts.