Synthesis and characterization of MWCNT/CaCO3 hybrid compound

Abstract

In this work, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique was used to synthesis the multiwall carbon nanotubes/calcium carbonate (MWCNT/CaCO 3) hybrid compound. A gas mixture of CH4/N2 was used as the source of carbon and Ni/CaCO3 was used as catalyst for the growth of the hybrid compound. The catalyst was prepared using a mixture of nickel salt and CaCO3 via coprecipitation method. In short, the process involves the drying of the precipitate followed by calcinations at 900°C. Reduction process was carried under H2 at 400°C and growth in CH4/N2 mixture at 800°C for 30 minutes .The resulted compound was then analyzed using XRD, SEM and HRTEM. From XRD analysis the CNT/ CaCO3 was successfully synthesized. HRTEM micrographs support the formation of MWCNT on the CaCO3 surface.