In-situ formation of carbon nanotubes in an alumina-nanotube composite by spray pyrolysis

Alumina (Al₂O₃)-carbon nanotube composite materials were synthesized by spraying a slurry of ferrocene (Fe(C₅H₅)₂) and alumina in xylene, at 1000±50 °C, using argon (≤1.5 bar) as carrier gas. The as-prepared materials were formed in large flakes (ca. 2 cm) and consist of nanotubes intricately matted in a glassy alumina matrix. Based on the structural and microstructural investigations done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), a possible growth mechanism has been suggested.