Temperature Effect on the Synthesis of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Spray Pyrolysis of Botanical Carbon Feedstocks: Turpentine, α-pinene and β-pinene

The chemistry of the different components of turpentine and the effect of temperature on the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by spray pyrolysis using ferrocene as catalyst in a temperature range of 700-1000 degrees C at 100 degrees C intervals was investigated. Turpentine with high -pinene concentration (83.4%) and low -pinene concentration (8.22%), as well as pure -pinene and -pinene, were used as carbon sources. The MWCNTs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetrical analysis. When using turpentine, the optimum temperature to produce high yields of crystalline MWCNTs was 800 degrees C. A comparative analysis between pure - and -pinene reveals that -pinene produces more crystalline MWCNTs than -pinene at 800 degrees C, indicating that -pinene is the active component in turpentine for the production of crystalline MWCNTs.