Synthesis of (B-C-N) Nanomaterials by Arc Discharge Using Heterogeneous Anodes

Djamel Eddine Gourari (1, 2) , Manitra Razafinimanana (3) , Marc Monthioux (2) , Raul Arenal (4) , Flavien Valensi (3) , Sébastien Joulié (5) , Virginie Serin (5)

1 LAPLACE - LAboratoire PLasma et Conversion d'Energie
2 CEMES-M3 - Matériaux Multi-fonctionnels et Multi-échelles
3 LAPLACE-AEPPT - Arc Electrique et Procédés Plasmas Thermiques
4 INA - Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragón [Saragoza, España]
5 CEMES - Centre d'élaboration de matériaux et d'études structurales

In spite of the current prevalence of the CVD-based processes, the electric arc remains an interesting process for the synthesis of carbon nanoforms, thanks to its versatility, robustness and easiness. It also allows performing in-situ substitution of carbon atoms by hetero-elements in the graphene lattice. Our work aims to establish a correlation between the plasma properties, type and chemical composition (and the substitution rate) of the obtained single-wall carbon nanotubes. The plasma was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy and the products were analyzed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and core level Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). Results show that a high boron content leads to a plasma temperature decrease and hinders the formation of nanotubes. This effect can be compensated by increasing the arc current and/or yttrium content. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of boron- and/or nitrogen-substituted nanotubes correspond to a high axial plasma temperature associated to a strong radial gradient. EELS analysis confirmed that the boron incorporates into the graphenic lattice.

Mots clés: Carbon nanotubes; Electric arcs; Electric discharges; Electron energy levels; Electron scattering; Electron temperature; Energy dissipation; High resolution transmission electron microscopy; Nanostructured materials; Nanotubes; Nitrogen plasma; Optical emission spectroscopy; Plasmas; Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN); Yarn; Arc discharge; Chemical compositions; Core-level electrons; Doped carbons; Optical spectroscopy; Optimal conditions; Plasma temperature; Substitution rates; Electron energy loss spectroscopy

Domaines: Physique [physics]

Djamel Eddine Gourari, Manitra Razafinimanana, Marc Monthioux, Raul Arenal, Flavien Valensi, et al.. Synthesis of (B-C-N) Nanomaterials by Arc Discharge Using Heterogeneous Anodes. Plasma Science and Technology, 2016, 18 (5), pp.465-468. ⟨10.1088/1009-0630/18/5/03⟩. ⟨hal-01758082⟩