Nano carbon hybrids from the simultaneous synthesis of CNT/NCD by MPCVD

A carbon hybrid composed by nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) was successfully synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD), assisted by a continuous delivery of a Fe catalyst. This way, both carbon forms were grown simultaneously, originating a composite structure mainly formed by nanodiamond conglomerates well interconnected by multiwall carbon nanotubes. NCD clusters often develop at the crossing points of different CNTs. A good NCD/CNT mechanical link is predicted based on the observation of carbon nanotubes penetrating and/or involving isolated nanocrystalline diamond clusters. The overall appearance of the NCD/CNT material resembles that of a 2D neuronal network. The nanocrystalline diamond and carbon nanotube phases were structurally confirmed by μ-Raman spectroscopy, the morphological features were characterized by SEM and EDS was used to appraise the catalyst surface distribution.