High purity synthesis of carbon nanotubes by methane decomposition using an arc-jet plasma

S. I. Choi, J. S. Nam, C. M. Lee, S. S. Choi, J. I. Kim, J. M. Park, S. H. Hong

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

High purity carbon nanotubes are synthesized by methane decomposition using an arc-jet plasma of high temperature (5000-20,000 K). Since the arc-jet plasma process is continuous and easily scalable, it is a promising technique for the large-scale commercial production of carbon nanotubes. In this experimental work, the arc-jet plasma is generated by a dc non-transferred plasma torch, in which a mixture of argon and hydrogen is used as a plasma forming gas and nickel powder as a metal precursor. Morphology, crystallization degree and purity of the carbon nanotubes in the soot produced under various processing conditions are evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. From the results of these material analyses, we have found that multi-walled carbon nanotubes of high purity were produced in the optimal operating condition. In addition, the thermal plasma characteristics for the carbon nanotubes growth are discussed from numerical simulation result of the arc-jet plasma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)224-229
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Applied Physics
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventEngineering Aspects of Nanomaterials and Technologies -
Duration: Jan 24 2005Jan 27 2005

Funding

This work was supported by Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Korea.

Keywords

  • Arc-jet plasma
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Decomposition of methane
  • Synthesis
  • Thermal plasma

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'High purity synthesis of carbon nanotubes by methane decomposition using an arc-jet plasma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this