Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene - Research and Applications

Large particle MCM-41 was synthesized using preshaped silica gel as the silica sources. The physical properties of MCM-41 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The sample showed highly ordered mesoporous structure and spherical morphology with particle sizes of 20-45 micrometers by pseudomorphic synthesis. The fluidization study shows that the large particle MCM-41 can be readily fluidized in the form of agglomerates and the exhibits both particulate and bubbling fluidization.

Co-Mo catalyst using large particle MCM-41 as support was successfully applied for the synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a fluidized-bed reactor. The product was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman and Fluorescence spectroscopy, which suggested the resulted semiconducting SWCNT possess the narrow (n,m) distribution. It is evidenced that the MCM-41 particles synthesized in this study will be promising for the application in fluidized-bed reactors. The results will broaden the application of MCM-41 as a heterogeneous catalyst in chemical reactions.
Source: X. Liu, H. Sun, Y. Chen, R. Lau, Y. Yang Chemical Engineering Journal (2008), article in press, doi:10.1016/j.cej.2008.04.035