Effect of heat treatment on the morphology of carbon fibers doped with Co2p nanoparticles

Carbon fibers (CFs) decorated by Co2P nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes were prepared via needle-less electrospinning technique. Formation of catalytically active Co2P nanoparticles and growth of carbon nanotubes were monitored in open and closed sintering environment at different sintering exposure times. Higher porosity, important in the catalytic reaction for easier penetration of electrolyte into the CFs, was achieved by mixing two immiscible polymers with natrium dodecyl sulfate and subsequent heat treatment process. Structure and morphology of the prepared modified carbon fibers were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. The time of heat exposure at the sintering temperature of 1200 degrees C and closure of the sintering space showed distinct effect on the growth and shape of carbon nanotubes. SEM and Raman spectroscopy revealed that closure of the system led to the formation of carbon nanotubes with smaller diameters and less structural disorder. Comparing of as-prepared CFs revealed that CFs with Co2P sintered in the closed system exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction due to lower overpotential and smaller Tafel slope in acidic solution. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

CFs decorated with Co2P nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes were prepared using needle-less electrospinning technique. The catalytic activity of Co2P nanoparticles and growth of carbon nanotubes were monitored under different sintering conditions, revealing the influence of heat exposure time on nanotube growth and morphology. SEM and Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that closure of the sintering space led to the formation of carbon nanotubes with smaller diameters and improved electrocatalytic activity.