THERMAL PLASMA TORCH FOR SYNTHESIS OF CARBON NANOTUBES

Abstract

The plasma jet reactor for synthesis carbon nanotubes used high current divergent anode-channel plasma torch has been developed. The carbon and catalysts (Ni, Co) in solid state are introduced with argon into plasma torch. Their evaporation in plasma jet with the further rapid cooling forms carbon and catalysts vapour with synthesis of carbon samples both in gas volume, on a surface of a graphite reactor and metallic target. In comparison with method where the evaporation of graphite electrodes is used, the method has advantages allowing potentially increase yield of nanotubes. Evaporation of carbon, Ni and Co occurs not only in plasma jet, but also in the field of the arc. The consumption of powder, work gas, and power of plasma torch are controlled independent from each other. The pressure of gas is changed from 10 to 760 Tor. Changing geometry of a reactor, pressure and velocity of a plasma jet it is possible to vary over a wide range the rate of cooling carbon vapour. Time of continuous work is limited by a life time of cathode. The rate evaporation of graphite and soot (1 g/min) already achieved. The first carbon samples have been obtained.