Online BET analysis of single-wall carbon nanotube growth and its effect on catalyst reactivation

A system combining pulse chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reaction and cryogenic gas sorption (BET) measurement capabilities was designed to allow the sequential synthesis and online analysis of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Cooling treatment in liquid nitrogen (77 K) during BET measurement was found to be efficient for restoring catalysts when deactivation occurs after carbon deposition. By this treatment, the methane conversion could be enhanced by up to seven times, such as from 5.8% to 42.6% mol. When the temperature changes from 850 °C to 77 K, the metal particles on the tip of nanotubes might contract and be separated from the graphite layer of the nanotubes, leading to more active sites on metal particles being exposed. The single point BET analysis of SWNT has been tested as an efficient method for the rapid online analysis of SWNTs produced by CVD.