Synthesis of carbon nanofibers using C60, graphite and boron

The growth of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using C-60, graphite-carbon and boron powders via the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method of ethanol is reported. CNFs of various morphologies were observed with different powders. Kinked CNFs of about 100 nm were produced while using a mixture of C60 particles and ethanol as precursors, whereas straight CNFs were obtained using graphite-carbon and boron powders as catalysts. Element analysis measurement of the as-produced CNFs shows that the CNFs synthesized using C-60 and graphite powder have the carbon particles on the tip. When boron powders were added in ethanol, boron related materials were examined at the tip of the CNFs. The present study indicates that the clusters composed of carbon and boron related materials act as nucleating sites for CNF formation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.