Multiwalled Carbon Nanofibers and Nanocapsules Synthesized from Plant Oil via Atmospheric CVD Process

Calophyllum inophyllum (CI) oil was used as precursor source material in carbon nanomaterial synthesis. CI is a non-edible and native plant species in the Philippines, which makes production of seeds and kernel sustainable. An atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition system was designed and built for the synthesis. Different carbon-based nanostructures were synthesized by varying the Argon gas flow rates (3.5–5 liter/min) and temperatures (1000–1200 °C). Crystalline multiwalled nanofibers and iron carbide-encapsulated nanocapsules were formed at 1000 °C and a gas flow rate of 5 liter/min. On the other hand, oils synthesized at 1100–1200 °C produced amorphous film-like carbon materials. The different morphologies reflect the influence of the gas flow rate on the dilution and atomization of the oil and its decomposition at various temperatures used. Raman spectroscopy and surface potential measurements indicate the potential applications of these nanofibers for hydrogen storage and semiconducting devices.