The effect of the reaction parameters on carbon nanotube synthesis on cobalt catalyst

In this study, the effect of time, temperature and the weight ratio of the catalyst on the carbon efficiency and the structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. CNTs were synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of acetylene on Co-MgO catalyst at 500 and 800°C. Catalysts were prepared by impregnation of Co on MgO powder substrate with Co to MgO ratio of 1:100, 5:100 and 10:100. The duration of syntheses was selected as 30 and 60 minutes for all temperatures and metal to substrate ratios. The morphology and structure of the CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy were used for further characterization.