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Updated: May 31, 2026
Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes generated by methane thermal decomposition using Ni nanoparticles synthesized in
Ismael González1, Juan De Jesus, Edgar Cañizales
1Department of Strategic Research in Refining, PDVSA-INTEVEP, Los Teques AP 76343, Caracas 1070-A, Venezuela. gonzaleziz@pdvsa.com
Abstract:
Ni nanoparticles were synthesized using two water-in-oil emulsions formulated with different surfactants and using n-heptane as the organic phase and aqueous nickel acetate as the catalytic metallic precursor. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy showed that the Ni nanoparticles have diameters ranging from 3 to 12 nm, and that the surface is lightly oxidized. The decomposition of diluted methane catalyzed by the as-prepared Ni nanoparticles was studied in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), operated in the 25-930°C range. The weight gains measured during the analysis showed that the Ni nanoparticles decomposed methane above 480°C, producing similar g.C/g.cat ratios (6-7) at the end of the tests. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed that the carbons collected at 930°C were bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes (BSCNTs) with well defined conical compartments. The average outside diameter of the tubes was between 30 and 60 nm.
