Flame Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes using Domestic LPG

The discovery of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) led to an explosion of research into the physical and chemical properties of CNTs all over the world. Production methods include classical approaches such as the Arc Discharge, Chemical Vapor Deposition and Laser Ablation, which are expensive and needs sophisticated equipment. For the synthesis of CNTs, Flame Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition is recognized as a much cheaper and higher throughput process for CNTs. In the present work, temperature of the substrate, standoff distance and fuel flow rates have been considered as the most decisive parameters for maximizing the yield of CNTs. Experimentation was carried out with diffusion flame as well as a premixed flame using domestic LPG (IS—4576) as a precursor with an ordinary welding torch. The TEM analysis of the soot deposited on the flat plate stainless steel substrate reported the growth of Carbon Nanotubes of different lengths 460–600 nm in case of diffusion flame and in the range of 100–300 nm in case of premixed flame.