Production of carbon nanotubes in a packed bed and a fluidized bed

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared from ethylene decomposition over the Fe/Al2O3 catalyst are studied in a packed bed (PB) reactor and a nanoagglomerate fluidized bed reactor (NABR), respectively. CNTs sampled at different reaction times are characterized by TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and particle size analysis. The bulk density and agglomerate size of CNTs increase significantly with reaction time in a PB, while it remains at a stable level in NABR. Also, CNTs with good morphology, narrow diameter distribution, and fewer lattice defects are obtained in an NABR, rather than in a PB. In contrast to the unavoidable jamming due to volume increase of CNTs observed in a PB, a continuous CNT growth process is attained in an NABR, even though the amount of CNTs in an NABR is 6 - 7 times that in a PB. The flow dynamics, available space for growing, and mass and heat transfer can be controlled in an NABR, which favors the large-scale production of CNTs with uniform properties.