Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Application of metallocenes for synthesis of nitrogen doped-multiwalled carbon nanotubes

5^th International Conference on Nanotek & Expo

November 16-18, 2015 San Antonio, USA

Nonjabulo Ngidi, Bernard Omondi and Vincent O Nyamori

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

Metallocenes are organometallic compounds made up of a transition metal centre bound to two cyclopentadienyl rings, resulting in a general formula [(η5C5H5)2M]. Common examples of metallocenes include those made from the d8 metals such as ferrocene and ruthenocene, and d9 and d10, metals which include cobaltocene and nickelocene, respectively. In principle, these metallocenes are expected to exhibit similar chemistry as ferrocene, but may differ significantly in terms of their reactivity. Metallocenes have been investigated as catalysts for synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs are typically synthesised through three main approaches, i.e., laser ablation, arc discharge and various types of chemical vapour deposition (CVD). However, the floating catalyst CVD is the most commonly used synthetic method. In this study, we aimed at the synthesis of nitrogen-doped MWCNTs (N-CNTs) via a CVD method. A carbon source of acetonitrile and different metallocenes were investigated. Variable synthesis temperatures (800, 850, 900, 950 and 1000 °C) were employed in the production of N-CNTs. N-CNTs were then characterised by use of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Hollow tubular structures of N-CNTs with bamboo compartment were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy showed typical G- and D-bands which were due to graphitic carbon vibrations and defects, respectively.

Biography :

Email: 208527155@stu.ukzn.ac.za