CNT growth on alumina supported nickel catalyst by thermal CVD

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were grown on alumina supported nickel catalyst by thermal Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), using H2 and CH4 as gas precursors. Commercial Al2O3 pellets with various Ni concentrations, normally used for methane reforming, have been used as catalysts in order to produce massive quantities of CNT. Different growth parameters, such as temperature, time process, total pressure and methane concentration, were investigated on 40% weighted Ni on Al2O3 substrates and relationships with the total product amount were found. CNT with different characteristics were observed by varying growth parameters. These parameters were optimised in order to maximise the yield. CNT with high density and smooth walls were obtained. Morphological characterisation has been performed on grown CNT.

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