Synthesis of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube by using Ethanol as a Carbon Source

Abstract

The challenges associated with synthesis carbon nanotubes are still the main causes [1,2] which limit the use in many application [3,4] in spite of the amazing physiochemical properties and variety of types of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), few walled carbon nanotubes (FWCNTs), and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) [5]. The prediction for the near future is the possibility of removing all the obstacles that prevent or hinder the manufacturing process of this carbon-polymer distinguished in all the specifications [6]. The methods which commonly depend on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes include arc discharge [7], chemical vapor deposition [8,9], and laser ablation [10] which represent physical, chemical, or miscellaneous methods. Chemical vapor deposition techniques are the simplest, cheapest, and most flexible methods as compared with the other types for this purpose [11]. This technique generally depends on making a precipitation process at high temperatures for the clouds of precursor, vapor which mainly contains an appropriate percentage of carbon atoms [12]. The process of synthesis can be done in two ways: the first by using a catalyst, and the second without a catalyst [13], which acts as center for the growth of the tubular structures of carbon nanotubes, thus increasing the diameter of these centers and leading to the process of building carbon atoms towards more than one wall [14,15]. In this regard, chemical vapor deposition was used to synthesis MWNTs by using ethanol alcohol as a sources of carbon at temperature of 750800 C without using a catalyst. Figure 1 shows a diagram for the process of synthesis in the schematic below.