Temperature-driven structural and morphological changes in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers synthesized via LaNi5Pt1.0 intermetallic catalyst

Abstract

In the modern world, heteroatom-doped carbon allotropes play a pivotal role in both fundamental and applied nanotechnology advancements. Due to their exceptional electrical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties, which are strongly influenced by the synthesis method, they are highly suitable for a wide range of applications. Catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) is the leading synthesis technique for producing nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (NCNFs) with controlled morphology and structural properties. This report emphasizes the significant influence of reaction temperature on synthesizing CNFs using a LaNi₅Pt_1.0 intermetallic catalyst. The LaNi₅Pt_1.0 catalysts prepared through an arc melting process, acted as templates for the catalytic conversion of carbon precursors into solid material via the CCVD method. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights into the temperature-dependent phase transitions and carbon diffusion during the synthesis of NCNFs. The surface segregation mechanism driving phase changes in the catalyst plays a crucial role in the active formation of NCNFs. The segregation of metallic nickel into the CNF structure significantly impacts N-CNF formation, highlighting the intricate dynamics involved in CNF synthesis. Overall, these findings offer a deeper understanding of the synthesis process and the structural evolution of N-CNFs across different growth temperatures.