Experiments on C nanotubes synthesis by Fe-assisted ethane decomposition

We performed experiments on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by iron-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in C2H6 + H2 atmosphere. We varied flow-rates of reactant gases (ethane: 30–120 sccm, hydrogen: 0–120 sccm), as well as their ratio, in order to study the evolution of the growth kinetics. We used scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the morphologies, dimensions and crystalline structure of the samples. Our results demonstrate the crucial role played by H2 in the enhancement of C diffusion-rate and in the consequent development of ordered and smooth graphene layers. A faster growth-rate is achieved by the increase of C2H6 flow-rate. However, if H2 flow-rate is not adequately enhanced, the improvement is only apparent. The excess of C supplied gives rise to deposition of amorphous carbon onto the CNT walls, and to the co-production of different nanostructures. A substantial agreement is found with results reported for CVD growth of CNTs by the use of different catalysts, reactants and gas-flowing setups.