The influence of operating conditions on the growth of carbon nanofibers on carbon nanofiber-supported nickel catalysts Original Research Article

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by the catalytic decomposition of ethylene over Ni/Y-zeolite at 550 °C, followed by catalyst removal with hydrofluoric acid. The demineralised CNFs were impregnated in an aqueous solution of Ni(II) nitrate. The CNF-supported Ni exhibited high catalytic activity in the CVD synthesis of CNFs, proving that the structured CNF support served to stabilize Ni activity. Results clearly indicated that careful control of temperature and H2 content was important to achieve the desired product. Changing the total flow rate did not seem to alter the type of carbon deposited but did change the deposition rate.