Carbon nanofibres (CNF) have been formed by polyethylene pyrolysis, using a Ni
catalyst and a hydrogen–argon gaseous mixture. The temperature interval of
500–700 °C
was chosen, because small sized Ni catalyst particles are formed in this case. TEM and high
resolution TEM studies revealed catalyst particles of spherical, oval, conical and faceted
shapes, some of which have been twinned. The variety of shapes and sizes can be explained
by the different values of the surface tension forces in the catalyst and in graphite in the
various cases. Unusual ‘burst’ CNFs, distinguished by the alternation of dense and sparse
regions, have been found in the deposit. A model of a periodic process, based on the
decay of Ni carbide, is assumed for the explanation of the ‘burst’ CNF formation.
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