High yield synthesis and characterization of graphitic carbon nanofibers by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

Gram-scale (>1 g) synthesis and characterization of graphitic/carbon nanofibers (GNFs) is described. The GNFs were grown by the spray pyrolysis of benzene and characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission/scanning electron microscopy. The optimum growth conditions for a high yield of GNFs were found to be a spray nozzle diameter (inner diameter) of -0.52 mm, a flow rate of benzene solution of -5 mL/min, a reaction temperature of -750°C and a flow rate of hydrogen, as carrier gas, of -1 500 mL/min. The typical length and diameter were -60μm and -250 nm, respectively. Most of the GNFs exhibited coiled/helical-like fibers. The yield of GNFs in the spray pyrolysis growth mode was found to be of the order of 1.45 g per run.