Synthesis of carbon nanofibers with a polygonal cross section by the catalytic decomposition of C2H2 over bi-metal catalysts

Carbon nanofibers with a polygonal cross section were synthesized using catalytic chemical vapor deposition over Fe-Sn, Ni-Sn or Co-Sn catalysts. Their morphologies were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Edges connecting of two walls can be clearly observed and some adjacent walls have a V-shape. The lengths of the sides of the polygonal cross sections range from 150 to 500 nm over Fe-Sn or Co-Sn nanoparticles, increasing to 700-900 nm over Ni-Sn nanoparticles. Polygonal catalyst particles can be seen at the ends of the fibers. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.