Ritts A.C., Li H., Yu Q.
University of Missouri-Columbia, US
Keywords: chemical vapor deposition, single crystal, vapor liquid solid mechanism
In this proceeding submicron and micron sized graphitic particles were compared with MWNTs as precursors for producing several grams of SiC nanofibers in a 3’’ diameter hot-walled chemical vapor deposition reactor. Nickel nitrate and the carbon precursor were dispersed in tetrahydro furan and dried to disperse the nickel used as a catalyst. Samples were characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD. Many factors affect the quality and amounts of SiC nanofibers produced; in this study we investigate carbon precursor size and shape, and nickel catalyst concentration. While all carbon precursors produced single crystalline SiC nanofibers, large sized carbon precursors also produced large sized SiC particles by direct conversion. Catalyst concentration also had significant effects on the amount, size, and length of the SiC nanofibers produced. This effect is also linked to the type of carbon precursor used. Small amounts of SiC fibers with wide ranging diameters and lengths were produced when little or no catalyst was used with carbon precursors with low aspect ratios. Surface area and volume of the carbon precursor is believed to have a large effect on the quality and quantity of SiC nanofibers produced.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 612 - 615
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7