Physico-chemical studies of amorphous carbon nanotubes synthesized at low temperature

This work provides better understanding on the nature of amorphous carbon nanotubes, which are synthesized via a simple chemical route. Amorphous carbon nanotubes (α-CNTs) are successfully synthesized by heating a mixture of ferrocene and ammonium chloride at temperature as low as 200 °C and are treated with hydrochloric acid. Transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques are performed to examine the morphology and dimension of the samples. X-ray diffraction tests confirm the amorphous structure of the nanotubes. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman studies indicate that the treated α-CNTs consist of many defective walls and are more amorphous compared with the untreated α-CNTs. Ultraviolet–visible absorption studies reveal that the untreated and treated α-CNTs exhibit plasmon absorbance with high bandgaps of 4 eV and 4.35 eV, respectively.

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► Amorphous carbon nanotubes are successfully produced via a simple method at low temperature.
► Nanotubes in straight morphologies with open ends.
► Acid treatment increases the extent of amorphous for nanotubes.
► Amorphous nanotubes exhibit phenomena of π plasmon absorbance and possess higher bandgap.