Effect of ultrasound on a mixed oxide-based catalyst for synthesis of nanostructured carbon materials

The effect of ultrasonic activation on the performance of a mixed oxide-based (Ni/Mg) catalyst in the synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes via chemical vapor deposition was studied. The molecular geometry of the solution of initial catalyst components (feed solution) was calculated and simulated according to a molecular mechanics method. Activation of the catalyst performed for 10 s during its preparation stage resulted in a considerable increase (of about 40 %) in the specific yield of nanotubes due to enhanced catalytic activity. Moreover, the kinetics of nanotube synthesis over the activated catalyst was studied, and the morphology of the obtained nanoproduct was investigated. Finally, the possibility of employing the present method for catalyst activation in experimental–industrial production of nanotubes was evaluated.