Synthesis of CNx nanotubes using catalysts prepared from zinc and nickel bimaleates

Nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes have been prepared via acetonitrile (CH3CN) pyrolysis at 850°C catalyzed by nanoparticles produced by the thermal decomposition of zinc and nickel bimaleates and their solid solutions. The synthesized samples have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that increasing the zinc content of catalyst nanoparticles reduces the yield of carbon nanotubes and increases the nitrogen content of the material. The high synthesis temperature gives rise to zinc vaporization, which influences the growth process, increasing the nanotube diameter, reducing the wall thickness, and lowering the structural perfection of the graphite layers.