Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. J. E. Herrera
Abstract
A kinetic study of multi-walled carbon nanotubes synthesis by catalytic decomposition of methane over Ni-A1203 catalyst was performed in a riser simulator. The catalyst was prepared by impregnation and characterized by nitrogen adsorption, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Temperature programmed reduction. The MWCNTs formed were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Methane conversion increased with synthesis temperature and time, leading to higher MWCNTs yield. The degree of MWCNTs graphitization increased with temperature and time leading to better quality MWCNTs.
Methane conversion versus time data was used to find the reaction order for methane decomposition. A first order rate with respect to methane was obtained. The activation energy for methane decomposition on Ni-Al203 catalyst was 37 kJ∕mol. A reaction mechanism for methane decomposition was validated against experimental data. Analyses of the proposed reaction mechanism indicated the adsorption of methane on the catalyst surface as the rate limiting step.
Recommended Citation
Abdullahi, Inusa, "KINETIC STUDY OF THE SYNTHESIS OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES BY METHANE DECOMPOSITION OVER NICKEL-ALUMINA CATALYST" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4932.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4932