Synthesis of carbon nanostructures with different morphologies by CVD of methane

Straight carbon nanotubes, carbon onions and two kinds of herringbone carbon nanofibers have been synthesized over nickel supported on aluminum matrix by catalytic decomposition of methane. Nickel precipitated on the aluminum matrix was used as catalyst, which only had 5 wt.% nickel. Through varying the production parameters such as the carrier gas, reaction temperature and reaction time, various morphologies of nanocarbons were obtained, which will be employed to reinforce aluminum matrix composites and thus the aluminum matrix composites obtained will have different potential applications.