Different Types of Nanosized Carbon Materials Produced by a Metal Dusting Process

Preparation of carbon nanorods, multiwall nanotubes, single-wall nanotubes, and nanoballs, depending on reaction conditions, is demonstrated by a metal dusting process, in which a blasted 304 L stainless steel coupon and CO−CO2 mixed gas are reacted in the 500−800 °C temperature range. During the process, fresh Fe−Ni nanoparticles, which catalyze formation of the nanosized carbon materials, are produced spontaneously. This process is simple and easily scaled up; therefore, mass production of the nanosized carbon materials is realizable. The formation mechanism for each nanostructure is also proposed in this paper.