Synthesis and structural characteristics of highly graphitized carbon nanofibers produced from the catalytic decomposition of ethylene:: Influence of the active metal (Co, Ni, Fe) and the zeolite type support

In order to study the influence of the metal phase in the carbon yield and structural characteristics of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized by CVD over supported catalysts, different catalysts were prepared using iron, cobalt and nickel as active metal and zeolites Y and mordenite as support. The results showed that the metal precursor produced a great influence on the catalytic activity, fact that could be explained in according to the different solubility of carbon in the metals or in the differences in the diffusion and segregation of carbon through the metal particles. Characterization data of the solid carbon products revealed unique structures and textural properties as well as crystalline conditions on function of metal used. Additionally, support-metal interaction was evaluated, where experiments with similar nickel load over Y and mordenite zeolites were carried out, finding higher carbon yields and more ordered structures when Y zeolite was used. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.