Catalytic synthesized carbon nanostructures from methane using nanocrystalline Ni

Carbon nanostructures synthesized with nanocrystalline Ni catalyst from decomposition of methane are investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two kinds of carbon nanostructures, carbon fibers and bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes, are observed. The preferential growth direction of graphene sheets depends on the reaction conditions. The bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes can be obtained only if the reaction temperature is higher than 1000 K, and carbon fibers can be obtained at lower temperatures, The role and state of the catalyst particles are also discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.