Preparation of carbon nanofibers/tubes using waste tyres pyrolysis oil and coal fly ash derived catalyst

In this study, two waste materials namely; coal fly ash (CFA) and waste tyres pyrolysis oil, were successfuly utilized in the synthesis of carbon nanofibers/tubes (CNF/Ts). In addition, Fe-rich CFA magnetic fraction (Mag-CFA) and ethylene gas were also used for comparison purposes. The carbons obtained from CFA were found to be anchored on the surface of the cenosphere and consisted of both CNTs and CNFs, whereas those obtained from Mag-CFA consisted of only multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The study further showed that the type of carbon precursor and support material played an important role in determining the nanocarbon growth mechanism. The findings from this research have demonstrated that it is possible to utilize waste tyres pyrolysis oil vapor as a substitute for some expensive commercial carbonaceous gases.