Synthesis of SBA-16 Supported Catalyst for CNTs and Dispersion Study of CNTs in Polypyrrole Composite

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn last two decades, huge amount of research work has been contributed in the field of nanochemistry particularly for synthesis, characterization and applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For synthesis of CNTs through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), supported metal catalyst is used preferentially. In view of that, SBA-16 supported nanoprticles of Iron, Fe/SBA-16, were prepared. To have Fe/SBA-16, adsorption of Fe nanoparticles on SBA-16 have been accomplished by reduction of ferrous ion on the surface of SBA-16. Afterwards, CNTs were synthesized by CVD using benzene as precursor over Fe/SBA-16 nanocatalyst. Synthesis of CNTs was carried out at 750°C with ambient pressure. Synthesized CNTs were functionalized by treating the them with a mixture of H2SO4/HNO3. As a result of this acidic treatment, carboxylic functional group was introduced on the surface of CNTs due to oxidation. As such prepared and functionalized CNTs were, further, used as filler in the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites of polypyrrol(PPY), matrix. These nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. Thus, electrical conductivity is measured for both types of polymer composites. On their comparison, important information regarding dispersion of CNT in the matrix are extracted.