Abstract
Carbon nanofibers were generated over bimetallic catalysts in an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) reactor. Catalyst compositions of Fe 30 at%, Cu and Ni 30 at% and Cu were mechanically alloyed using high-energy ball milling over durations of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h. The catalyst powders were then used to produce carbon nanofibers in ethylene and hydrogen (4:1) at temperatures of 500, 550, and 600 °C. The microstructures of the catalysts were characterized as a function of milling time as well as at deposition temperature. The corresponding carbon deposition rates were assessed and are correlated to the microstructural features of each catalyst. The milling process directly determines the performance of each catalyst toward carbon deposition, and both catalysts performed comparably to those made by traditional co-precipitation methods. Considerations in miscible and immiscible nanostructured alloy systems are discussed.
Highlights
Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) had originally been considered an unwanted byproduct of catalytic conversion of carbon-containing gases, until more recent research found unique applications for theseFibers 2015, 3 structures [1]
Catalysts used for growing CNFs can be pure metals or alloys, but the efficiency of the catalyst depends on other reaction conditions, such as the reaction gas(es), catalyst support, and reaction temperature
The objective of this work was to determine whether mechanical alloying is a viable method for creating catalysts used in CNF synthesis
Summary
Fibers 2015, 3 structures [1] They possess unique magnetic, electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties [2], which has sparked interest in applications for electronics, polymer additives, gas storage, and catalyst support [1,2]. CNFs are formed from the decomposition of carbon-containing gases, such as hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, over a suitable catalyst at moderate temperatures [3]. Catalysts used for growing CNFs can be pure metals or alloys, but the efficiency of the catalyst depends on other reaction conditions, such as the reaction gas(es), catalyst support, and reaction temperature. Metals known to efficiently catalyze carbon growth include pure palladium, platinum, nickel, and cobalt; as well as the oxides or carbides of said metals [5,6,7]. There are many combinations of catalysts and growth conditions suitable for forming CNFs of varying size, morphology, and degrees of crystallinity
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