Growth of carbon nanotubes on carbon paper by Ohmically heating silane-dispersed catalytic sites

A large density of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been grown on the fibers of a carbon paper using a sulfonated silane intermediary to uniformly disperse (1:1) Ni–Co catalytic sites used in the decomposition of ethylene. The nanotubes were obtained at 800 °C by Ohmically heating the carbon paper support. The MWCNTs are typically up to 20 μm in length and between 30 and 50 nm in diameter. These tubes are easily opened at room temperature, while remaining firmly attached to the carbon paper.