The Fe(CO)5 catalyzed pyrolysis of pentane: carbon nanotube and carbon nanoball formation Original Research Article

The Fe(CO)5 catalyzed pyrolysis of pentane was investigated. The study, performed in a quartz tube, revealed that a range of carbonaceous materials could be formed with products determined by the temperature profile in the tube, the Fe(CO)5 content in pentane, the carrier gas flow rate, the pyrolysis temperature and the pyrolysis time. The distribution of carbonaceous products also depends on the competition of the pyrolysis of Fe(CO)5 and pentane in the different regions of the reactor. Carbonaceous materials produced included graphite film, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanoballs. The formation of carbon nanotubes takes place in a region in the quartz tube where both the pyrolysis of both Fe(CO)5 and pentane occur, with carbon nanotubes formed by the pyrolysis of pentane. Alignment of carbon nanotubes was found when a high Fe(CO)5 concentration was used.