Rod-like carbon nanostructures produced by the direct pyrolysis of α-cyclodextrin

Carbon nanostructures were produced by the direct pyrolysis of a cyclic glucose oligosaccharide (alpha-cyclodextrin) without the use of a metal catalyst. The nanorods evolve from surfaces of structureless carbon when the precursor is carbonized at 1000 degrees C. The conversion of initially-obtained featureless carbon to the nanostructures can be controlled by the pyrolysis time. The nanorods are of diameters 14-10 nm and consist of multiple disordered curved graphite layers with relatively short persistence lengths. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.