Synthesis of multi-wall carbon nanotubes by simple pyrolysis

Abstract

A new pyrolysis technique has been developed for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In this simple method diethyl ether and nickelocene is pyrolysized in a reaction quartz tube without using carrier gas. The samples are prepared at pyrolysis temperatures of 650 and 950 ∘C and the effect of temperature on the tube morphology investigated. Purification has been done following the standard oxidation and acid bath treatment. The as-synthesized and purified nanotubes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The technique has great advantages such as low cost and easy operation for the production of CNTs.