Synthesis of carbon nanotubes from in situ generated cobalt nanoparticles and carbon monoxide

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized via a catalytic process of C O disproportionation over the in situ formed cobalt nanoparticles on an MgO support. For this purpose Co(CO)(3)NO was used as the source of both cobal t and carbon monoxide. Well-dispersed cobalt nanoparticles supported on MgO gave rise to a narrow size distribution for the generated nanotubes. The c arbonaceous materials were separated from the product by a simple acid-trea tment method and their structural and morphological characterizations were performed by XRD and TEM. Thermogravimetric analysis of the HO-treated samp le revealed a weight content of about 68% nanotubes and nanoparticles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.