Ferrocenylethynylbenzenes as Precursors to in Situ Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube and Fe Nanoparticle Compositions

Several ferrocenyl-aryl-acetylenic compounds were synthesized and thermally converted in situ to carbon nanotube-Fe nanoparticle compositions. Upon melting, the ferrocenyl compounds are cured to a shaped configuration through the acetylenic units. Further heating of the polymeric composition results in the decomposition of the ferrocene and the ultimate formation of Fe nanoparticles. During the carbonization process above 500 C in an inert atmosphere, the Fe nanoparticles react with the developing carbon nanoparticles resulting in the formation of carbon nanotubes in high yield within the carbonaceous media. Various shaped carbonaceous forms (solid, fiber, and film) containing large amounts of carbon nanotubes can be readily formulated from the precursor ferrocenyl compounds. The polymeric and carbonaceous compositions were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), X-ray diffraction, Raman, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) studies.