Bamboo-like carbon nanotubes produced by pyrolysis of iron(II) phthalocyanine Original Research Article

Bamboo-like carbon nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by a pyrolysis of iron(II) phthalocyanine under Ar/H2 at 1000°C. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the bamboo-like nanotubes. The growth mechanism of the bamboo-like NTs is proposed in detail, especially the formation process of compartments of the bamboo-like NTs. The graphite sheath sliding out from the Fe particles’ surface accounts for the formation of the compartments of bamboo-like NTs. The motive force of the sliding was caused by the stress accumulated in the graphite sheath due to the segregation of carbon atoms from the inside of the sheath. Carbon feedstock is supplied from the interfaces of the NTs with the Fe catalyst particles.