Multi-walled carbon nano tubes synthesis by arc discharge method in a glass chamber

In the present paper, carbon nano tubes (CNTs) were synthesized by arc discharge method by vaporizing graphite rods in the presence of Ni and a Ni/Y mixture as catalysts for subsequent use in electrical energy storage and conversion devices. CNTs synthesis was carried out in a cylindrical glass reactor applying a controlled Argon flow of 1.43 cm³/min and a chamber pressure of 39 kPa. Carbon powder was collected from the reactor following chemical treatment with HCl solution at 1 M to remove the metallic impurities. Morphology obtained by scanning electron microscopy (Sem) and transmission electron microscopy (Tem) showed multi-walled nano tubes (MWCNTs) with amorphous carbon particles attached to their surface. Fourier transform infrared (Ft-IR) spectra presented bands at v 1550 and 1200 cm^-1 corresponding to the C=C bond characteristic to the CNTs skeleton; these bands were not present in pristine graphite. Electromagnetic absorbance was observed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) showing peaks at 204 and 256 nm related to sp² hybridization characteristic for MWCNTs. (author)