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Low‐Temperature Growth of Carbon Nanotubes Catalyzed by Sodium‐Based Ingredients
Author(s) -
Li Richard,
Antunes Erica F.,
KalfonCohen Estelle,
Kudo Akira,
Acauan Luiz,
Yang WeiChang D.,
Wang Canhui,
Cui Kehang,
Liotta Andrew H.,
Rajan Ananth Govind,
Gardener Jules,
Bell David C.,
Strano Michael S.,
Liddle J. Alexander,
Sharma Renu,
Wardle Brian L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201902516
Subject(s) - catalysis , carbon nanotube , acetylene , chemical vapor deposition , materials science , nanomaterials , chemical engineering , dehydrogenation , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , carbon fibers , reagent , alkali metal , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite number , composite material , engineering
Synthesis of low‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a key driver for achieving advances in energy storage, computing, and multifunctional composites, among other applications. Here, we report high‐yield thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of CNTs catalyzed by reagent‐grade common sodium‐containing compounds, including NaCl, NaHCO 3 , Na 2 CO 3 , and NaOH, found in table salt, baking soda, and detergents, respectively. Coupled with an oxidative dehydrogenation reaction to crack acetylene at reduced temperatures, Na‐based nanoparticles have been observed to catalyze CNT growth at temperatures below 400 °C. Ex situ and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal unique CNT morphologies and growth characteristics, including a vaporizing Na catalyst phenomenon that we leverage to create CNTs without residual catalyst particles for applications that require metal‐free CNTs. Na is shown to synthesize CNTs on numerous substrates, and as the first alkali group metal catalyst demonstrated for CNT growth, holds great promise for expanding the understanding of nanocarbon synthesis.