Gas composition in laser pyrolysis of hydrocarbon-based mixtures: Influence on soot morphology

Laser pyrolysis of hydrocarbons leads to soots containing different carbon nanostructures. The investigations of carbon nanopowders revealed the presence of the amorphous carbon, carbon with small graphitic sheets or fullerene-like structures. The soot morphology depends on the gas mixture and experimental parameters. The role of oxygen is essential in obtaining soot particles having considerable curved-layer content. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.