Growth of carbon nanotubes on carbon paper by Ohmically heating silane-dispersed catalytic sites

A large density of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been grown on the fibers of a carbon paper using a sulfonated silane intermediary to uniformly disperse (1:1) Ni–Co catalytic sites used in the decomposition of ethylene. The nanotubes were obtained at 800 °C by Ohmically heating the carbon paper support. The MWCNTs are typically up to <f>20 μm</f> in length and between 30 and 50 nm in diameter. These tubes are easily opened at room temperature, while remaining firmly attached to the carbon paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]