Synthesis of carbon nanotubes using fluidized bed technology

Abstract

Current methods employed to synthesise carbon nanotubes (CNTs) include hot-wire chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques as well as laser ablation. These methods however produce small amounts of nanotubes at a high production cost. The use of a fluidized bed reactor was investigated for the synthesis of CNTs on a continuous basis, and in bulk. The main driver for the bulk production of CNTs lies within broadening the application range for CNTs. The CSIR has successfully synthesised CNTs using virgin plastics as well as a carbonaceous gas using fluidized bed technology. Current investigations are underway to test various factors involved with the CNT growth and production. An understanding of these factors and their interactions could provide valuable information for producing CNTs in a fluidized bed process with the user’s desired properties and characteristics