Reactivity of perovskite-type precursor in MWCNTs synthesis

Ni catalysts were tested in the synthesis of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by catalytic decomposition of methane at low temperature. The selectivity of MWCNTs formation was determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic performance of the supported-Ni catalysts obtained by perovskite reduction was discussed based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) results. The characteristics of the nanotubes obtained by decomposition of methane were mainly dependent on the homogeneity of nickel particles and less on the reaction conditions. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.