Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials in Deionized Water with and without Catalyst Using Arc Discharge Technique

Abstract

Simple and economical technique was used for synthesis of carbon nanomaterials without using vacuum equipment. The used technique implied an arc discharge between two pure graphite rods with different diameters submerged in deionized water at room temperature. These were also investigated with a new type of metal catalyst process for the first time. Plasma arc discharge was produced using D.C power supply with current (30-90 amp.) and voltage (30- 50volt). The nanomaterials were produced in the form of nanoparticles (floated), nanotubes and nanofibers (sank), and carbon nanocolloidal (dispersed) through the water. The results of these experiments were examined by high resolution optical microscope, scanning electron microscope SEM and transmission electron microscope TEM. The results revealed different types of carbon nanomaterials.

Keywords

• arc discharge
• carbon nanotubes
• tem
• carbon nanofibers