Effect of catalyst calcination temperature on the synthesis of MWCNT–alumina hybrid compound using methane decomposition method

This work focuses on synthesis of MWCNT–alumina hybrid compound via methane decomposition process using Ni–Al2O3 catalyst. The catalysts prepared through in situ process by using nickel salt and aluminium powder which are then calcined at three different calcination temperatures (700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C). The catalyst calcined at 900 °C followed by methane decomposition process successfully yielded MWCNT–alumina hybrid compound. No trace of CNT was detected for catalyst calcined at 700 °C and 1100 °C. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrograph confirmed the formation of MWCNT with homogenous dispersion on alumina particles.

Research highlights▶ Ni-Al2O3 used as catalyst precursors to synthesis MWCNT-alumina. ▶ Catalyst calcined at three different temperatures, 700, 900 and 1100 °C. ▶ The MWCNT grown on alumina particles after methane decomposition process with catalyst calcined at 900 °C.