Controllable and large-scale synthesis of metal-free carbon nanofibers and carbon nanocoils over water-soluble NaxKy catalysts

Xiaosi Qi, Wei Zhong*, Xiujuan Yao, Han Zhang, Qian Ding, Qiong Wu, Yu Deng, Chak Tong AU, Youwei Du

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Through the pyrolysis of acetylene at 450 °C, large quantities of carbon nanocoils or carbon nanofibers can be synthesized selectively by controlling the Na:K molar ratio of water-soluble NaxKy catalysts. We found that the temperature adopted for pyrolysis is an important factor for selectively obtaining the different kinds of products. Because the NaxKy catalysts are water-soluble, they can be easily removed, and the nanocarbon materials can be harvested undamaged in high purity. The process is simple, inexpensive, and environment-benign, giving a product yield matching those of the transition-metal catalysts. Based on the results, we conducted discussion on the role of catalyst, effect of pyrolysis temperature, and formation mechanism of the nanomaterials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)646-658
Number of pages13
JournalCarbon
Volume50
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Science(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Controllable and large-scale synthesis of metal-free carbon nanofibers and carbon nanocoils over water-soluble NaxKy catalysts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this