DefinePK

Abstract

Catalyst deposition is a key step in synthesis of carbon nanotubes. In this work, iron catalyst has been deposited on to carbon fibre surface by impregnation method. The carbon fibre was impregnated in difference concentration of iron nitrate solution (5wt%, 1wt%, 0.5%, 0.1wt% and 0.01wt%). In order to get a good dispersion of iron catalyst, the fibre was treated by oxidation in reflux of 12 M hydrogen peroxide (H202). The treatment has improved the bond between fibre and iron catalyst. XRD results proved the existence of iron oxide as iron precursor on the fibre surface but for the fibre impregnated at very low concentration (0.01wt%), the peaks of iron oxide were not exist. However EDX and TGA analysis revealed that iron oxide has been deposited on the fibre even impregnated at very low concentration of iron nitrate but at little amount. More, SEM micrographs showed that when impregnated at very high concentration of iron nitrate solution (more than 1wt%), the catalyst precursor tended to coat the fibre surface with a thick layer, while a thin layer will be formed when impregnated in low concentration (less than 1wt%).