Voltage effects on the production of nanocarbons by a unique arc-discharge set-up in solution

Well graphitised nanocarbons including onion-like fullerenes and single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesised in high yield by automatic arc-discharge method in solution. This technique is considered a low-cost method since it does not require any expensive equipment. Herein, an arc discharge full automatic set-up was used for fabrication of CNTs which enables controlling of the gap between the two electrodes and the voltage as well. Carbon nanostructures under a controlled amount of voltage (from 10 to 30 V) were synthesised where Ni : Mo as a catalyst and LiCl 0.25 M as a solution were used. Subsequently, a modified acid treatment method was applied as purification stage of the products. The production rate of CNTs was as high as 7.7 mg min −1 while the voltage was set at 30 V. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy as well as Raman spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology of these carbon nanostructures. The results indicated that CNTs synthesised at a voltage of 30 V had the best quality and elongated straight structures. The mechanism of the voltage conditions for preparing nanocarbons as well as their characterisation are discussed.