Synthesis of carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber substrates: effects of nanozirconia dispersion on the growth of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully prepared on carbon fiber-based substrates via CVD using zirconia nanoparticles (nanozirconia) as additives. The dispersion of a moderate amount of nanozirconia on the substrate surfaces before the CVD process promoted the formation of Fe particles, which catalyzed the CNT growth and effectively promoted the formation of CNTs. The dispersion of nanozirconia on the substrates is thought to effectively suppress the surface diffusion of pyrolytically generated iron atoms from the precursor, leading to the formation of numerous fine iron nanoparticles with sizes suitable for CNT growth. The CNT/carbon fiber substrates are expected to be useful electrode materials.