In situ study of carbon nanotube formation by C2H2 decomposition on an iron-based catalyst

The properties and formation of nanotubes have been extensively studied, bu t very few deal with the catalytic production mechanism of nanotubes. Two d ifferent techniques, thermogravimetric analysis and UV-Raman, have been app lied to analyse the carbon deposition by catalysed decomposition of acetyle ne over an iron-based catalyst. The nature of the produced carbon materials depends on reaction temperature. Also, TEM allows identification of carbon nanotubes, encapsulated particles, and other nanostructures, while UV-Rama n confirms its graphitic and graphite-like nature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.