Synthesize carbon nanotubes by a novel method using chemical vapor deposition-fluidized bed reactor from solid-stated polymers

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized from solid-stated polymers-polycarbosilane (PCS) and polyethylene (PE), by using a chemical vapor deposition-fluidized bed reactor (CVD-FBR). MgO and Fe(NO3)3 acted as the catalysts. The experimental results indicate that diameters of CNTs, using PCS as carbon source, are from 15 to 90nm and lengths are several μm when reaction temperatures are at 850–950 °C. Using PE as carbon source, the diameter of CNTs is from 25 to 90 nm and the length can reach 1 μm since reaction temperatures are at 750–850 °C. Comparing these two different carbon sources, the CNTs synthesized from PE have better quality and a higher degree of graphitization.