Waste NR latex based-precursors as carbon source for CNTs eco-fabrications

Abstract

In this work, the potential of utilizing a waste latex‐based precursor (i.e., natural rubber glove (NRG)) as a carbon source for carbon nanotube (CNT) fabrication via chemical vapor deposition has been demonstrated. Gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) analysis reveals that the separation of the lightweight hydrocarbon chain from the heavier long chain differs in hydrocarbon contents in the NRG fraction (NRG‐L). Both solid NRG (NRG‐S) and NRG‐L samples contain >63% carbon, <0.6% sulfur and <0.08% nitrogen content, respectively, as per carbon‐nitrogen‐sulfur (CNS) analysis. Growth of CNTs on the samples was confirmed by Raman spectra, SEM and TEM images, whereby it was shown that NRG‐S is better than NRG‐L in terms of synthesized CNTs yield percentage with similar quality. The optimum vaporization and reaction temperatures were 350 and 800 °C, respectively, considering the balance of good yield percentage (26.7%) and quality of CNTs (ID/IG = 0.84 ± 0.08, diameter ≈ 122 nm) produced. Thus, utilization of waste NRG as a candi-date for carbon feedstock to produce value‐added CNTs products could be a significant approach for eco‐technology.