Catalytic synthesis of carbon nanostructures using layered double hydroxides as catalyst precursors

Layered double hydroxides with different components but similar iron content such as Fe0.1Mg2Al0.9, Fe0.1Zn2Al0.9 and Fe0.1Cu2Al0.9 were prepared using a coprecipitation reaction. Then mixed oxides were obtained by calcination of these layered double hydroxide precursors, and their catalytic activities were examined during synthesis of various carbon nanostructures. It was found that single-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized using a Fe0.1Mg2Al0.9 mixed oxide catalyst, while multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers resulted from Fe0.1Zn2Al0.9 and Fe0.1Cu2Al0.9 mixed oxides as catalysts, respectively.