Laboratory synthesis of carbon nanostructured materials using natural gas

The article describes a simple set-up of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for laboratory production of carbon nanostructures including carbon nanotubes. Here we show that natural gas can be utilized as a carbon source for synthesis of carbon nanomaterials on unconventional substrates with integrated catalysts as rocks, metal plates and metal wires by CVD method. Several types of carbon nanomaterial structures not only carbon nanotubes were recognized during these syntheses. Optimal conditions for production of long multiwalled carbon nanotubes were obtained. Diameters of these nanotubes are around hundred nanometers. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for the study of produced nanostructures. The available utilization of these carbon nanotubes or nanostructures on the unconventional substrates can be in special active filtration, substrates for catalytic chemical and biochemical reactions, etc.

► Combination of natural gas and untreated unusual substrates for synthesis of CNTs.
► Wires, metal plates and rocks are used as a substrate for CVD synthesis of CNTs.
► Different conditions at the synthesis result in beneficial changes of structure.
► Optimal conditions for production of multiwalled carbon nanotubes were found.
► Raman spectroscopy proved tubular structure of synthesized carbon nanomaterials.