Gas-Induced Formation of Cu Nanoparticle as Catalyst for High-Purity Straight and Helical Carbon Nanofibers

    Authors

    X. Jian; M. Jiang; Z. W. Zhou; Q. Zeng; J. Lu; D. C. Wang; J. T. Zhu; J. H. Gou; Y. Wang; D. Hui;M. L. Yang

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    ACS Nano

    Keywords

    carbon nanofibers; Cu nanocrystal; catalyst; gas-inducing method; helical; shape control; CHEMICAL-VAPOR-DEPOSITION; GROWTH-MECHANISM; ACETYLENE DECOMPOSITION; THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION; ABSORPTION PROPERTIES; MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES; METAL; NANOCRYSTALS; COPPER TARTRATE; NANOTUBES; NANOCOILS; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Chemistry, Physical; Nanoscience &; Nanotechnology; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    The facile preparation of high-purity carbon nanofibers (CNFs) remains challenging due to the high complexity and low controllability in reaction. A novel approach using gas-induced formation of Cu crystals to control the growth of CNFs is developed in this study. By adjusting the atmospheric composition, controllable preparation of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) with specific size and shape is achieved, and they are further used as a catalyst for the growth of straight or helical CNFs with good selectivity and high yield. The preparation of Cu NPs and the formation of CNFs are completed by a one-step process. The inducing effect of N-2, Ar, H-2 and C2H2 on the formation of Cu NPs is systematically investigated through a combined experimental and computational approach. The morphology of CNFs obtained under different conditions is rationalized in terms of Cu NP and CNF growth models. The results suggest that the shapes of CNFs, namely, straight or helical, depend closely on the size, shape, and facet activity of Cu NPs, while such a gas-inducing method offers a simple way to control the formation of Cu NPs.

    Journal Title

    Acs Nano

    Volume

    6

    Issue/Number

    10

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    8611

    Last Page

    8619

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000310096100018

    ISSN

    1936-0851

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