Catalytic engineering of carbon nanotube production

The impact of some engineering aspects such as space velocity, catalyst metal loading, hydrogen, and temperature on carbon nanotube (CNT) production rate, productivity, and morphology in carbon monoxide disproportionation has been studied. The morphology and quality of the CNTs produced were examined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that space velocity and metal loading have significant effects on the production rate and CNT productivity. The presence of H2 dramatically increased the productivity, but altered the CNT structure. The synthesis temperature also influenced the carbon productivity and structure. The results were interpreted according to the traditional model for CNT growth, and the implications for large-scale CNT production were suggested.