Flowing nitrogen assisted-arc discharge synthesis of nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanohorns

Nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanohorns (N-SWCNHs) have been synthesized by a flowing nitrogen assisted arc discharge method at atmospheric pressure in a tubular reactor. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis have revealed their high quality. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy examinations have shown that N-SWCNHs have typical spherical structure with a diameter of 40-80 nm. Oxidation treatment suggests the opening of cone-shaped caps of N-SWCNHs. The FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that most of the nitrogen atoms are in N-6, N-5, and triple-bonded CN bonding configuration present at the defect sites or the edges of graphene layers.