A simple method of producing single-walled carbon nanotubes from a natural precursor: Eucalyptus oil

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been synthesized by catalytic decomposition of eucalyptus oil, on a high silica-zeolite support impregnated with Fe/Co catalyst at 850 degrees C by the spray pyrolysis method. Catalyst with 5 wt.% (molar ratio of Co:Fe = 1: 1), impregnated in zeolite was suitable for effective formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). As-grown CNTs were characterized by SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy reveals that as-grown CNTs are well graphitized. Raman spectroscopy also reveals that the as-prepared SWNTs have a diameter of about 0.79-1.71 nm. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.