Single-walled carbon nanotube growth from composite catalysts in diffusion flames

  • C. J. Unrau
  • , R. L. Axelbaum

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Silicon is investigated as catalyst particle additive for synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes in inverse diffusion flames. Silicon is often used as a substrate in supported-catalyst processes to promote nanotube growth but this study demonstrates that it can also be beneficial for gas-phase nanotube synthesis in diffusion flames. An oxy-fuel inverse diffusion flame is employed to provide a soot-free, carbon-rich environment for nanotube growth. Iron and silicon precursors are added to the fuel stream for nucleation of iron/silicon composite catalyst particles. By adjusting the temperature and species concentration gradients, a desirable level of oxidation of the particles can be achieved in a small region of the flame. In this region, over 90% of catalyst particles produce a single-walled carbon nanotube while less than 10% of particles produce a nanotube if the catalyst consists of only iron and oxygen.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007 "Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion"
PublisherCombustion Institute
Pages610-614
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781604239454
StatePublished - 2007
EventFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007: Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion - Charlottesville, United States
Duration: Oct 21 2007Oct 24 2007

Publication series

NameFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007 "Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion"

Conference

ConferenceFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2007: Chemical and Physical Processes in Combustion
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlottesville
Period10/21/0710/24/07

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