Large scale synthesis of bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes using a natural precursor: turpentine oil

Abstract

Bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) have been synthesised by spray pyrolysis of turpentine oil (inexpensive precursor) and ferrocene mixture at 800°C. Turpentine oil (C10H16), a plant-based precursor was used as a source of carbon and argon as a carrier gas. The bundles of ACNTs have been grown directly inside the quartz tube. The as-grown ACNTs have been characterised through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Scanning electron microscope images reveal that the bundles of ACNTs are densely packed and are of ∼70–130 µm in length. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy observations indicate that as-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are well graphitised. These CNTs have been found to have outer diameters between ∼15 and 40 nm. This technique suggests a low-cost route for the large-scale formation of ACNTs bundles.