Magnetic properties and large-scale synthesis of novel carbon nanocomposites via benzene decomposition over Ni nanoparticles

Nanorods composed of carbon nanoflakes have been synthesized via catalytic decomposition of benzene at temperatures as low as 350°C over Ni nanoparticles derived from sol-gel synthesis followed by hydrogen reduction. Field-emission scanning electron microscopic and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic images reveal that the carbon nanoflakes are tightly stacked. We investigated the effects of reaction temperature and catalyst amount on the yield, morphology, and magnetic properties of the products. Above 500°C, the main product was carbon nanotubes. After optimization of reaction parameters, the maximum purity and yield of carbon nanoflakes at 460°C were 97.9 wt % and ca. 4579% whereas those of nanotubes at 550°C were 96.7 wt % and ca. 2892%, respectively. Compared to the methods reported in the literature, the approach described herein has the advantages of being simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly and is suitable for the mass production of one-dimensional carbon nanocomposites that contain magnetic nickel nanoparticles.