Large-scale synthesis, characterization and microwave absorption properties of carbon nanotubes of different helicities

Carbon nanotubes of high helicity (H-HCNTs, Sample A) have been synthesized in large-scale by pyrolysis of acetylene at 450 °C over Fe nanoparticles derived from coprecipitation/hydrogen reduction method. With controlled introduction of hydrogen during acetylene pyrolysis, CNTs of low helicity (L-HCNTs, Sample B) and worm-like CNTs (Sample C) were obtained in large quantities. The yields of the CNTs products are high, especially that of H-HCNTs (ca. 7474%). The complex permittivity and permeability of Composites A, B, and C that contain Samples A, B and C (30 wt%) were measured in the 2–18 GHz frequency range. Good absorption of electromagnetic wave (reflection loss<−20 dB) was observed in the 7.18–10.68 and 7.5–10.7 GHz range over Composites B and C (2.0–3.0 mm thickness), respectively. Thus, through the suggested route, CNTs can be produced easily and selectively in large quantities. The lightweight materials can be utilized for microwave absorption.