Optimization on CNT production using modified domestic microwave oven

• Main Authors: Merdika, Eka Prasetia, Auresenia, Joseph L., Tan, Raymond Girard R., Suzuki, Masaaki
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Carbon nanotubes; Microwave ovens; Mathematical optimization; Chemical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11975
• Institution: De La Salle University

A method for the production of carbon nanotubes was developed using low vacuum pressure, low temperature, and simple catalyst preparation. Acetylene, nitrogen and hydrogen gas mixture was used as process gas. The nickel catalyst was used and placed in a quartz reactor which is arranged inside a modified domestic microwave oven. The set-up was operated at 260torr and the power controller of the microwave oven was set into a sequence of turning on for 5 seconds at 850 W and standby for 10 seconds.The presence of carbon nanotubes in the carbon deposit produced was determined using SEM and XRD. Optimization was conducted by varying gas mixture ratio, total flow rate, catalyst precursor concentration, and run time. Confirmation runs using optimized parameters yielded, on the average, 13.35 mg of carbon deposit; carbon nanotubes which were 963 nm long, 79 nm in diameter, and of 77.86% purity.