Carbon nanotubes prepared from CO on pre-reduced La2NiO4 perovskite precursor

A large amount multi-shelled carbon nanotubes with uniform diameter were obtained from catalytic disproportionation of CO using La2NiO4 oxides as catalyst precursor, which was prepared by citric acid complexing method. Nickel exists chiefly as Ni0 particles supported on La2O3 after reduction of perovskite-like mixed oxide La2NiO4. These nano-scale Ni0 particles play a key role for the growth of carbon nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and oxidation weight loss analysis were employed to reveal the morphology and microscopic structure of carbon nanotubes.