Vapor growth of novel carbon submicro-fibers with a tile-like form and carbon nanofibers with a zigzag form

Carbon submicro-fibers with a tile-like form and carbon nanofibers with a zigzag form were grown by a CVD process using iron powder as a catalyst, H2S as an impurity, and acetylene as the carbon source. The morphology and the microstructure were examined, and the influence of the deposition conditions on their nanostructures was discussed. The results reveal that sulfur is indispensable for the growth of these two structures. Reaction temperature and total gas-flow rates also affected the deposits and their yield significantly. At 700 °C, it is suitable to grow the tile-like structure, while at higher temperature, such as 800 °C, it is suitable to form the zigzag structure.