Synthesis of Carbon Nanofibers on Iron and Copper Catalysts by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Abstract

In this study, carbon nanofibers were synthesized on iron and copper catalysts by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Investigation was made with respect to variation on thickness and surface of fibers based on concentration of iron and copper. In order to prepare metal catalysts of respective synthesis, iron nitrate and copper nitrate were calculated in proportion to weight ratio and then dissolved into distilled water. Obtained catalyst precipitates were filtered and then dried for more than 24 hours at 110°C. Carbon nanofibers were composed by using ethylene gas of carbon source through CVD after pulverization of fully dried catalyst precipitates. Analysis through SEM was made in order to investigate structural characteristics of composed carbon nanofibers, and qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted on elements through EDS. In addition, crystalline analysis was made on carbon nanofibers through XRD and Raman, and specific surface area measurement was carried on carbon nanofibers composed through BET.