Graphitization behavior of carbon nanofibers prepared by the floating catalyst method

Carbon fibers with average diameter 60nm were mass-produced by the floating catalyst method. Structure characteristics of these as-grown carbon nanofi bers were investigated through high-resolution transmission electron micros copy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was shown that poor graphitiza tion is the main question for engineering application of the carbon nanofib ers. To obtain high quality carbon nanofibers, as-grown nanofibers were ann ealed at 2500 degrees C for 30 min under protection of an Ar atmosphere, an d the structure of carbon nanofibers annealed were investigated through HRT EM and XRD. Microstructure change of the carbon nanofibers was discussed af ter annealing treatment. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .