The Effect of Synthesis Temperature on the Growth of Carbon Nanotubes from Waste Chicken Fat Precursor

Abstract

The effects of synthesis temperatures on the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNT) from waste chicken fat as carbon source were systematically studied. The synthesis was carried out in dual heating zone tube furnace at synthesis temperature between the ranges of 600-900 °C. The waste chicken fat vaporization temperature was fixed at 470°C. The samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyzer. In this experiment, vertically aligned CNT (VACNT) were identified at synthesis temperature ranged of 750-800°C. Among all, the synthesis temperature of 800 °C produced highest yield of VACNT with growth rate of 282 nmmin -1 , small nanotubes diameter of 19.8-31.7 nm, 91% pure and high crystallinity (I D /I G ratio of 0.39). At low synthesis temperatures of 600-650°C, no CNT was produced. At high synthesis temperatures of 850-900°C, bigger nanotubes diameter and higher I D /I G ratio were observed which indicates lower nanotubes quality were produced at this temperature range.