Utilization of cotton as carbon nanostructure precursor by pyrolysis method

Abstract

In this study, cotton-based cellulose was used as precursor to developed carbon nanotube–like structures through modified-pyrolysis method with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate as a catalyst. Reflux process with nitric acid was conducted to purify the resultant of carbon material. The resultant of carbon-based nanostructure were characterized systematically. X-ray diffraction spectra shows the presence of C peaks at 2θ of 26.53°, 42.26°, 44.49°, 54.63° and 77.35° and Fe peaks at 2θ of 44.1° and 64.25°. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope observation revealed that the resultant of graphitic carbon nanostructures displayed the tube-like structure. Raman spectroscopy results show the presence of D-band and G-band peaks, which confirmed the typical spectrum of carbon-based structures. The D-band peak around 1310-1330 cm-1 was assigned to the presence of disorder in graphitic materials whereas the G-band peak around 1580-1590 cm-1 was corresponded to the tangential vibrational of the carbon atoms. These condition is a typical spectrum of carbon nanotube-like structures. Eventually, these pyrolysis method could be anticipated as a promising strategy in order to develop the novel carbon nanostructures based on cellulosic material.