HYDROGEN CONTROL OF CARBON DEPOSIT MORPHOLOGY

Carbon deposit morphology during catalytic disproportionation of CO is dependent on a number of variables. Hydrogen has a significant effect on the form of carbon deposited. It is proposed that the effect of hy drogen is to cause (or allow) open forms of carbon such as filaments t o be produced. Hydrogen atoms serve to satisfy valences at the free ed ges of graphite planes. Without hydrogen, carbon will deposit in close d forms such as shells and nanotubes.