Abstract

Banana peel activated carbon and 2% mineral oil mixture was used as a precursor for carbon nanotube and nanocarbon. The process of synthesis involves pyrolysis of precursors at 1000 to 1200°C in a closed stainless-steel tube (f 12.7 mm, 1.0 mm inches thick and lengths = 200 mm). The final products were analyzed using SEM, TEM and XRD. SEM and TEM investigation showed that the products consisted of a long straight carbon nanotube (outer diameter = 47 to 106 nm and inner diameter = 12 to 30 nm). The XRD studies revealed the presence of a graphitized carbon nanotube, which have Fe (metal) inside the hollow and the tip, in the pyrolytic products.

Key words: Carbon nanotube, banana peel, activated carbon, pyrolysis, mineral oil.