Microstructural Evolution and Oxidation Resistance of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in the Presence of Silicon Powder at High Temperatures

The microstructural evolution and oxidation resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by directly heating silicon powder and MWCNTs in a coke bed from 1000 to 1500 C are investigated with the aid of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The results showed that the morphology and microstructure of MWCNTs did not change much after being treated from 1000 C to 1200 C. An obvious SiC coating was formed on the surface of MWCNTs from 1300 to 1400 C. Up to 1500 C, nearly all the MWCNTs transformed into SiC nanowires. The oxidation resistance of the treated MWCNTs was improved compared with as-received ones. Non-isothermal kinetics showed that the oxidation activation energy of the treated MWCNTs reached 208 kJ/mol, much higher than 164 kJ/mol of as-received ones.