Flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes using catalyst particles prepared by laser ablation

Randy Lee Vander Wal, Thomas M. Ticich, Gordon M. Berger

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Metal catalyst particles were created by ex-situ laser ablation for introduction into a reactive pyrolysis flame. By prior synthesis of the metal nanoparticles, the effects of the reactive gases can be clearly separated from the pyrolysis chemistry of a solvent carrier, as when using nebulized solutions. Moreover, varying reactivity issues associated with particle growth and size were bypassed. Fe selectively reacted with CO to produce nanotubes; while Ni selectively reacted with C 2H 2 to produce nanofibers. These observations were interpreted through donation and withdrawal of electron density between the adsorbate's molecular orbitals and surface atoms of the metal nanoparticle. The rate of reaction of nickel with only C 2H 2 was reduced in the reaction of C 2H 2 and cobalt with nickel. CO inhibited the Ni-catalyzed reaction. H 2 manifested an overall role of maintaining a catalytically active surface by etching of amorphous carbon or donating electrons to promote dissociative adsorption of coadsorbates. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 228th ACS National Meeting (Philadelphia, PA, 8/22-26/2004).

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts
Volume228
Issue number1
StatePublished - Oct 20 2004
EventAbstracts of Papers - 228th ACS National Meeting - Philadelphia, PA, United States
Duration: Aug 22 2004Aug 26 2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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