Thermogravimetric analysis and TEM characterization of the oxidation and defect sites of carbon nanotubes synthesized by CVD of methane

Changes in the thermogravimetrically determined oxidation behaviors of CVD-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) over Ni/Al catalyst with different Ni content were examined. Catalyst type was found to have a measurable impact upon nanotube stability, suggesting differing levels of crystalline perfection in the resulting nanotubes. With increasing the Ni content in the Ni/Al catalyst, the CNTs obtained became less stable during heat treatment in air. Furthermore, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate the defect sites of as-grown MWNTs. The results provide evidence showing that defect sites along the walls and at the ends of the raw MWNTs facilitate the thermal oxidative destruction of the nanotubes.