Influence of reactant composition in synthesis of carbon nanotubes from pyrolysis flame

Synthesis carbon nanotubes from V-type pyrolysis flame is a kind of novel technique. It has potential for utilization in mass production. Carbon monoxide is as carbon source and the acetylene/air premixed gas provides heat by combustion. Hydrogen gas is served as reducing agent and dilution gas. One part of helium gas is as dilution and protection gas, the other part of helium gas carries the catalyst into the V-type pyrolysis flame burner. Pentacarbonyl iron was selected to serve as catalyst precursor. This study aims to examine the influence of reactants for CNTs formation in pyrolysis flame and give their optimal mass flow. It is important to keep suitable mass flow of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and helium. It was found that the optimalizing mass flow of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and helium is 0.5 slm, 0.303 slm and 0.283 slm respectively.