A novel processing technique for CNTs growth on Co-supported molecular sieve coated porous ceramics

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) on cobalt ions supported zeolites coated porous ceramics were grown by a novel process merging three individual synthesis techniques. The direct foaming technique was used to prepare the porous alumina-silica ceramics having an average pore size of ~10 µm. Zeolite NaA crystals (~18 nm) were synthesized and coated simultaneously on the porous ceramics by an in situ hydrothermal reaction followed by a simple ion exchange process. CNTs were synthesized on Co-supported zeolite-ceramics by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process for 60 min. The effect of different reaction temperatures on the structural morphology and yield of CNTs were investigated.