Utilization of iron oxide film obtained by CVD process as catalyst to carbon nanotubes growth

Thin films of Fe2O3 were obtained on silica glass substrates through the thermal decomposition of ferrocene in air. These films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and subsequently used as catalyst on the growth of carbon nanotubes, using benzene or a benzene solution of [Fe3(CO)12] as precursor. A great amount of a black powder was obtained as product, identified as multi-walled carbon nanotubes by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The carbon nanotubes formed through the pyrolysis of the [Fe3(CO)12] solution were identified as structurally better than the one obtained by the pyrolysis of pristine benzene. - Graphical abstract: Thin films of Fe2O3 were obtained on silica glass substrates through the thermal decomposition of ferrocene in air, and subsequently used as catalyst on the growth of carbon nanotubes.