Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nano fibers Grown on Powdered Activated Carbon

Carbon nano fibers (CNFs) were synthesized through nickel ion (Ni²⁺) impregnation of powdered activated carbon (PAC). Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) using acetylene gas, in the presence of hydrogen gas, was employed for the synthesis process. Various percentages (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt. %) of Ni²⁺ catalysts were used in the impregnation of Ni²⁺ into PAC. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzer (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), zeta potential, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) were utilized for the characterization of the novel composite, which possessed micro and nano dimensions. FESEM and TEM images revealed that the carbonaceous structure of the nano materials was fibrous instead of tubular with average width varying from 100 to 200 nanometers. The PAC surface area increased from 101 m2/g to 837 m²/g after the growth of CNF. TGA combustion temperature range was within 400°C and 570°C, while the average zeta potential of the nano composite materials was −24.9 mV, indicating its moderate dispersive nature in water.