HIGH-YIELD PRODUCTION OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES BY CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF BENZENE VAPOR

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized on \gamma-Al₂O₃ supported unitary, binary or trinity metal (Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts with benzene as carbon source in the range of 600 to 810 ℃. The growth of CNTs was carried out in a fixed bed flow reactor and the quality of carbon deposits was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The preparation was optimized and the high-yield production of CNTs has been achieved for three mixture catalysts with the yield of high-quality CNTs higher than 200% within 60 min, reaching a maximum of 278% for 1.51 mmol/g Fe-1.51 mmol/g Co/\gamma-Al₂O₃ catalyst. This provides a good alternative for future large scale and low cost production of CNTs for applications.