CVD growth of carbon nanotubes from palm oil precursor

Carbon nanotubes have been successfully grown using thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The bio-hydrocarbon precursor namely palm oil was used as a carbon source. The CNT were grown at various growth temperatures of 600, 700, 800 and 900°C. The growth process took 15 min followed by 10 min annealing time. The CNT were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. It was found that the density, growth rate, diameter, crystallinity of the CNT produced were affected by the growth temperature. The growth temperature of 800°C was considered as the suitable temperature for the production of CNT due to low I_D/I_G ratio of about 0.42. The sample was also found to be uniform with clear lateral alignment due to straighter tubes. It also exhibited low C-H stretching mode due to amorphous carbon at IR absorption spectra. The possible explanation for different morphology of the produced CNT was also discussed.