Evaluation of catalyst ball-milling process on growth and diameter of carbon nanotubes on iron nanoparticles

In this study, we describe the growth of carbon nanotubes on commercial iron nanoparticles without carbon shell (Fe (nm), size < 60 nm) andiron nanoparticles with carbon shell (Fe* (nm), size < 60 nm) as catalysts by chemical vapour deposition method. In order to investigation of supports effects, preparation of catalyst nanopowders (Fe* (nm)/Al2O3 and Fe* (nm)/MgO) was carried out by mixing commercial Fe* nanoparticles (as catalyst) with Al2O3 and MgO powders (as supports) by using ball-milling method. The results show in spite of the fact that ball-milling process can have negative effects on diameter and morphology of synthesized CNTs at 925 degrees C, but it could increase the range of growth temperature from 865 degrees C to 975 degrees C.