Synthesis of carbon nanotubes from bulk polymer

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by heat treating the polymer at 400 °C in air which was obtained by polyesterification between citric acid and ethylene glycol. Transmission electron micrographs and an electron diffraction pattern showed the formation of carbon nanotubes. The diameter of the tubes ranged from 5 to 20 nm, whereas the lengths were less than 1 μm.