Co-based catalysts from Co/Fe/Al layered double hydroxides for preparation of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes have been prepared via catalytic chemical vapor deposition of acetylene on a series of catalysts derived from Co/Fe/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The catalytically active cobalt particles were obtained by calcination of LDHs containing cobalt (II) ions followed by reduction. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The content of Co in the precursors had a distinct effect on the growth of carbon nanotubes. Increasing Co content enhanced the carbon yield, due to good dispersion of a large number of active Co species. This indicated that the agglomeration of metallic Co particles did not take place even at high Co content. Higher Co content led to the formation of carbon nanotubes with smaller diameters and less structural disorder.