Preparation and Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers from the High Temperature Controllable Flame

Abstract

Carbon nanofiber is a new type of carbon materials and it has wide application prospects. At present, there are many kinds of synthesis methods of carbon nanofibers. Among them, preparation of carbon nanofibers from the controllable flame is a new method. It needs simple laboratory equipments and normal atmosphere pressure in this method. Experimental apparatus is including controllable flame burner, thermocouple, mass flow meter and catalyst preparation system, etc. The key factors of synthesis experiment involving the carbon source, the catalyst and high temperature heat source. Characterization of the carbon nanofibers from the controllable flame is by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).The experimental results indicated that carbon nanofibers with less impurity can be captured at the temperature from 720 to 880 ̊C when carbon monoxide and iron-based catalyst served as carbon source and the catalyst respectively.