J. Geng, D. Jefferson, B. Johnson
Feb 11, 2005
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Influential Citations
14
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Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry
Abstract
We find that nickel stearate can be directly converted into carbon nanotubes or pure-phase metallic Ni nanoparticles encapsulated in polyhedral carbon cages on pyrolysis under appropriate conditions. This salt conversion approach has two clear advantages for large-scale synthesis of the carbon–metal composite. First, in contrast to the electrical arc discharge technique, it produces 100% yields (with respect to the stoichiometric conversion of nickel) at much lower temperatures (800–1000 °C). Second, unlike chemical vapour deposition (CVD), this new method does not require a separate carbon feedstock or catalyst support.