FeCl3-catalyzed growth of vapor-grown carbon fibers from deoiled asphalt

Deoiled asphalt was chosen as the carbon source and FeCl3 as the catalyst, to prepare vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) with different morphologies, by chemical vapor deposition, in an atmosphere of argon and hydrogen. The influence of reaction time (10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 min) on the morphologies and structures of products at 1100°C was discussed. The morphologies and structures of the products were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that the VGCFs became relatively straight and then interpenetrating. The diameters of the VGCFs were 1.0 to 1.2 μm, 250 to 300 nm, 350 to 400 nm, and 700 to 800 nm when the reaction time was 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 min, respectively. In addition, V-shaped VGCFs were observed.