Structural Characteristics of Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated Using Simple Spray Pyrolysis Method

Abstract

A simple spray pyrolysis method has successfully used to synthesize carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Their structural characteristics were characterized by employing field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. FE-SEM images confirmed that the diameters of CNTs were in the range of 20 to 80 nm. The average diameter of CNTs increased considerably as the growth temperature increased (above 700 ^oC). The changes in growth time and ferrocene mass altered the average diameter of CNTs slightly. EDX analysis and XRD patterns indicated that Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄, which originate from the oxidation of ferrocene catalyst, are the main impurities of the CNTs. The concentrations of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ became lower and higher, respectively, for the growth temperatures higher than 700°C because Fe₂O₃  is the most stable at high temperatures.