Carbon nanotubes synthesis using thermal chemical vapor deposition method: A comparison between commercial ethanol and fermented tapioca

Low-cost carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was synthesized from fermented tapioca. This precursor is a easily obtained from plant source, economical and more environment friendly compared to fossil source precursor that have to go through many technology process before can be used. In the present study, two different sources was used to synthesis CNTs that are fermented tapioca and commercialized ethanol. The CNTs synthesized were compared based on structural and optical study. The FESEM image captured CNTs size from fermented tapioca less than 50 nm and more than 50 nm by ethanol synthesis. Raman spectroscopy reveal D and G peak at 1480, 1583 and 1227, 1565 cm−1, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis reveals the decomposed temperature at 450 °C for both precursor used. The immersed heater assisted thermal-CVD (chemical vapor deposition) system was used for the CNTs synthesis.