Abstract:
The aim of this research work was to synthesize and characterize Carbon Nano Tubes
(CNTs) using catalytic decomposition of hydrocarbon gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The
yield of CNTs was optimized by varying experimental parameters.
A detailed literature review was done to understand nano size particles, its properties,
production and applications. Nano materials, its mechanics, manufacturing technologies and
techniques have made significant improvements over the years in industrialized countries.
Nano mechanics and technologies have its applications in all the latest fields of industrial era
varying from nano electrical and mechanical devices to human sciences and Space
applications. One of the latest fields of nano mechanics is the nano manufacturing technology.
Nano processing also involves manufacturing of nano-particles, nano-wires, nano-carbon
tubes and PVD coatings etc.
A number of experiments were performed to check the yield of CNTs for different
hydrogen-LPG ratio and chamber temperatures. Different parameters yielded CNTs and
amorphous carbons. CNTs and amorphous carbon are identical in appearance in the form of
black powder. In order to distinguish them a detailed characterization was performed with the
help of modern techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, AFM and TEM. The XRD was
conducted to find the presence of crystalline structure of graphite, since CNTs are graphitic in
nature. The samples were visually inspected by SEM to determine the diameter and general
structure (straight, tangled or noodle like). The diameter of CNTs was precisely measured by
AFM. To determine the number of walls of CNTs TEM was used.
Economical analysis was conducted to compare the cost of production of CNTs to the
market price. The economic analysis showed that the CNTs in the market were four times
more expensive than the ones produced in this research.
