Synthesis of carbon nanoparticles in a non-thermal plasma process. (14th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Cheng; Li, Dongning; Lu, ZhongShan; Song, Ming; Xia, Weidong
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 227(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-14
• Subjects: Non-thermal plasma -- Carbon nanoparticles -- Buffer gas -- Graphene nanoflakes -- Magnetically stabilized gliding arc discharge; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: A non-thermal plasma process is developed for carbon nanoparticles synthesis. Effects of buffer gases on product microstructure are investigated. Graphene nanoflakes with good thermal stability are obtained in He and H2 . Complex nitrogen-doped nanoparticles are formed in N2 atmosphere. This process can compete with microwave plasma due to its higher synthesis rate. Abstract: A non-thermal plasma source based on magnetically stabilized gliding arc discharge (MSGAD) was used to prepare carbon nanoparticles via methane decomposition. Spherical carbon nanoparticles (SCNs), few-layer graphene nanoflakes (GNFs), and nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles were obtained. The results showed that the product microstructure was influenced by the buffer gas. In pure methane and argon, the products were a mixture of SCNs and GNFs. In helium and hydrogen, all products were highly crystalline GNFs with low defects, few layers, large BET surface areas, and excellent thermal stability. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, nitrogen-doped nanoparticles were formed, and the products were a mixture of GNFs, disordered graphitic layers, and tiny spots similar to carbon dots. The formation of GNFs was possibly related to the high input power and abundant hydrogen atoms, while the complex product morphology obtained under a nitrogen atmosphere was likely caused by the incorporation of nitrogen atoms.