Catalytic growth mechanism of carbon nanofibers through chemical vapor deposition

A catalytic synthesis of carbon nanofibers, which showed a fast growth rate of 0.9 μm/s, was achieved through a thermal CVD process. The growth rate of nanofibers was significantly dependent on the flow rate of acetylene and hydrogen. Co nanoparticles played a crucial role as a catalyst and template in the formation of nanofibers. The diffusion of carbon atoms and nucleation of carbon nanofibers were influenced by the size and shape of the catalyst. The catalytic growth mechanism of carbon nanofibers could be explained by the deformation and raising of Co catalyst particles.