Morphology and microstructure of graphitic nanofibers synthesized by the CVD method using nickel-copper as a catalyst

Abstract

This paper describes the morphology and microstructure of graphitic nanofibers(GNFs) synthesized by the catalytic decomposition of ethylene in the presence of Ni:Cu(70wt%:30wt%) as catalyst at 550 degrees C to 700 degrees C. The catalyst was prepared by the coprecipitation method using aqueous solution of metal nitrates. The catalysts and the graphitic nanofibers(GNFs) were characterized by FE-SEM, HR-TEM and EDXS. The shape, composition and microstructure of the catalyst according to the synthesis temperature of graphitic nanofibers(GNFs) were changed so that it brought about the change of morphology and microstructure of graphitic nanofibers(GNFs). In particular, it should be noted that the composition change of catalysts with different synthesis temperature is one of the key factors in determining the morphology of graphitic nanofibers(GNFs).