Characterization of carbon nanofibers grown over Ni and Ni-cu catalysts

Carbon nanofibers were obtained by thermo-catalytic decomposition of methane at 700 degrees C over Ni and Ni-Cu catalysts prepared by different methods (co-precipitation, impregnation and fusion) and using either Al or Mg as textural promoter. Characterization of the carbon thus obtained was performed by N2 adsorption isotherms (BET surface area), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, and electron microscopy SEM and TEM. The carbon obtained possesses high crystallinity and poor surface chemistry. The crystallinity is enhanced when using Mg as textural promoter and in the presence of copper. SEM and TEM examinations show that the fibers have fishbone structure and they grow generally from one nickel particle (tip growing) although there are some bidirectional growing. Copper-doping lead to the formation of thicker filaments and promotes the formation of bamboo-like structures. Catalyst particles higher than 100 nm do not promote the formation of nanofibers and the carbon deposits as uniform coatings.