Temperature Effects on the Production of Carbon Nanotubes from Palm Oil by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition Method

Abstract

In this study we report the effect of various synthesis temperatures of 600 - 1000°C for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNT). Bio-hydrocarbon precursor namely palm oil was utilized as a starting material by thermal vapor deposition method. Ferrocene at 5.33 wt% was directly mixed with palm oil precursor for 30 mins synthesis time. The prepared CNT was collected from the furnace wall and then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The density, diameter and the purities of the CNT were found to be highly dependent on the temperature changes. The synthesis temperature of 800°C was considered to be the optimum temperature for higher quality and quantity of CNT production.