Synthesis of carbon nanotubes by catalytic conversion of methane: Competition between active components of catalyst

Catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes from methane was studied as competitive catalytic process in situ of both oxidative (partial oxidation) and non-oxidative (pyrolysis) conversion. Ni and Fe may act as either competing or cooperative catalyst components in the process of carbon nanotubes growth. The competition between Ni and Fe in the process of carbon nanotube growth on Ni–Fe based stainless steel alloy during partial oxidation of methane results in suppression of Ni catalytic activity in favor of Fe. The discrimination is so strong that iron is segregated from Ni–Fe based stainless steel alloy leaving characteristic Ni-enriched corrosion caverns. Interaction between Ni and Fe during non-oxidative conversion, in contrast to the oxidative conversion, leads to cooperative effect; the activity of bimetallic catalyst increases as compared with monometallic one. Depending on particular catalyst bed composition, the nanotubes of various morphologies may occur. In particular, the use of perovskite-type catalyst for partial oxidation of methane leads to formation of “olive-branch”-like peculiar carbon nanostructures.