Synthesis of fibrous carbon nanomaterials from ethanol vapor on a nickel catalyst

The processes underlying the synthesis of fibrous carbon nanomaterials via nickel-catalyzed pyrolysis of ethanol vapor are investigated. The IR spectra of the gas released from the reactor during synthesis indicate that, in the initial stages of the process, ethanol molecules decompose into simpler species: CH4, CO, and H2. In the temperature range 400–600°C, carbon monoxide disproportionation plays a key role in carbon deposition. Varying the process conditions, one can obtain carbon nanofibers of various thicknesses or carbon nanotubes.