Ferrocene derived carbon nanotubes and their application as electrochemical double layer capacitor electrodes

We report on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by direct thermal decomposition of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2). Our studies indicate that presence of a small amount of sulfur along with the ferrocene in the decomposition process strongly affects the quality of the CNTs produced and is crucial for obtaining thin diameter nanotubes. Raman spectroscopic investigations suggest that the atomic ratio of sulfur to the total iron plus sulfur content of approximately 0.09 yields CNTs with highly crystalline structure having diameters ranging from 0.85 nm to 1.75 nm. Electrochemical double layer capacitor electrodes fabricated from these CNTs show impressive energy storage properties, capable of delivering a maximum power density of approximately 27 KW/kg and energy density of approximately 2.12 Wh/Kg.