Formation of carbon fiber florets using copper tartrate catalyst precursors

A novel method was investigated to synthesize carbon fiber florets using copper tartrate catalyst precursors by catalytic chemical vapor deposition at 300 °C. Samples were obtained for different growth periods. On the basis of electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction characterizations, a growth model for the formation of fiber florets was proposed as well as the branching of fibers nearby copper catalyst particles. These findings could facilitate the understanding of the catalytic growth process of different carbon materials including carbon nanotubes and graphene under different reaction parameters.

Research highlights
► Carbon fiber florets are synthesized using copper tartrate as catalyst precursors.
► Catalyst pretreatment by oxidation/reduction reactions results in the florets.
► Small carbon fibers separate immediately adjacent to the copper catalyst.
► The separations are caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the catalyst.