Synthesis of carbon nanotube heterojunctions from the decomposition of ethanol

Abstract

A new bimetallic catalyst of nickel-copper doped with praseodymium was used in the decomposition of ethanol. Results obtained showed the formation of a high density of carbon nanotube heterojunctions with the nanotubes having diameters ranging from 10 to 40 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the carbon nanotubes had many junctions along the surface. Raman spectra revealed that the ethanol as the carbon precursors is proficient to produce different form of carbon nanomaterials as designated by the evolution of the G-band and D-band intensities. The carbon nanotubes obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis which gave a higher thermal decomposition at 520°C than carbon nanotubes without junctions previously synthesized (500°C). The percentage of weight lost is about 69%, which showed that the fairly high abundance of high purity carbon nanotube heterojunctions was synthesized.