Synthesis of sulfur-doped carbon nanotubes from sulfur powder using chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Sulfur-doped carbon nanotubes (SCNT) with high sulfur contents have been prepared using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) from sulfur powder, acetylene gas and Fe/CaCO3 (as catalyst). In this regard, various growth's temperatures were examined to investigate its effects on the structure and the sulfur content of prepared SCNT. The best condition was obtained at 700°C and using 4 g of sulfur powder. The product was characterized using FE-SEM and EDS, which showed rode-like SCNT with about 40 nm diameter and 10.75% sulfur content. Moreover, TEM, Raman and XPS analyses were employed to obtain more details related to the product. The XPS results confirmed the presence of sulfur atoms, which covalently incorporated in the carbon framework. Finally, the catalytic ability of the product in oxygen evolution reaction was examined and the results showed high stability and low oxygen production rate for this product.