cm0707206_si_001.pdf (1.29 MB)
One-Step Synthesis of Polycrystalline Carbon Nanofibers with Periodic Dome-Shaped Interiors and Their Reversible Lithium-Ion Storage Properties
journal contribution
posted on 2007-08-21, 00:00 authored by Da Deng, Jim Yang LeeCarbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes continue to draw unwavering interest from industrial and
academic communities because of their fascinating properties and their projected application values. This
paper reports a one-step synthesis of high-purity carbon nanofibers with dome-shaped interiors by the
noncatalytic thermal decomposition of acetylene over a copper surface at atmospheric pressure. These
uniquely shaped carbon nanofibers were impurity free, and their dome-shaped interiors could be repeated
with high periodicity throughout the length. In addition, Y-junction and forklike carbon nanofibers with
the same internal structure were also formed as byproducts. The growth of these unique carbon
nanomaterials could be rationalized by a mechanism based on the autocatalytic chemical vapor deposition
of 3D graphene flakes. Preliminary electrochemical measurements indicated that the carbon nanofibers
could be used as the active anode material for lithium-ion batteries, delivering good cyclability and a
reversible capacity of ∼260 mAh/g at the high specific current of 100 mA/g.